Sister Play Date With Chalk.

I am a huge advocate of childlike play.

For just $1.00 I purchased some sidewalk chalk,
and experienced priceless, silly fun.
I loved my chalk flowers and owl!
Sister made a darling hopscotch,
which had us giggling like school girls.
Do yourself a huge favor;
make some time for play!

Lunch Date: Downtown L.A. & Fall '10 Collections.

The great thing about living in Los Feliz
is that I'm 10 minutes away from everything.
That is inclusive of downtown.
Sister and I met with my dear friend Matty
for a lunch date last week.

A recent graduate of FIDM, he is already
working in the industry and strutting
his stuff at a beautiful showroom.
{I'm oh, so proud of him!}

Matt gave us a tour of the new collections.
*People, I witnessed the trends to come for fall '10!!
I die. That's all I have to say.

Breakfast and Table Top.

This is my new table scape for the week.

And my breakfast was scrumptious

this morning, thank you very much!

Gratitude.

Today I'm grateful for....
1. Spring
2. Pizza with mushrooms & olives
3. My new Moo-Moo {see above.}
4. My sister.
5. Finding an old love letter.
6. Holding hands with Bunny.
7. Flowers.
8. Creative nights.
9. Friendships.
10. Cookies.

Table Top: Lioness Inspired.

My flowers are a trip.

Dream Catcher.

I'm loving this week.

To Market, To Market: Santa Monica.

My sister came into town for a week long visit.

On Saturday, Bunny and I picked her up from LAX and
dashed straight away to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.

When crossing upon the above market stand Bryan commented;
"Those are some cool carrots." And they really were!

Chanelle and I have been having such a fantastic time.
We've been sight seeing, working on arts and

crafts, laughing and over eating.
Many more fun adventures are in the works.

The Talent of Others.

Last week I modeled Rachel's beautiful design.
I am amazed by her vision and talent.
She took these dreamlike photos as well!
Film just has a certain crispness to it
that cannot be rivaled by it's digital counterpart.

Thrifty Treasure.

This just might be the best $2.19
I've spent in a very long time:
a media rack circa 1959.

Inspiration books were stowed to easily access.

I think I may have fallen in decorative love.
Soba may have fallen in love as well.
{Post Script: Sister come to L.A. tomorrow!}

Procrastination Station: Alphabet Magnets.

Yesterday I finally spray painted

my alphabet magnets.
The color is just fantastic,
and it incidentally matches my china!
My fridge looks so much livelier now.
P.S. Sister will be visiting in T-two days.

Two.

I just hit my two year mark in Los Angeles. I can't believe how time has danced by. I moved here one terribly, rainy week in February. My first night alone in my apartment I cried and thought, "Maybe I made a mistake." I didn't! I was cast in "And Away We Go To Wonderland" at the Santa Monica Playhouse and made the move to L.A. sans husband. At that time his band Alcoholiday had just released their album, and were doing quite well. He also had an amazing job with Gore Design. Five agonizing months apart, Bryan tied all lose ends and moved to L.A. with me!L.A. has meant meeting extraordinary friends: Melissa, Chris, Rachel, Court, Catherine, and Cindee. My La Grande Orange Crew, my industry pals, Each of you have made such an imprint on my life. I have learned much from you, and continue to be constantly inspired by your lives and art.
Los Angeles has meant career opportunities. I have more auditions in one week in L.A., then I ever had in an entire month in Phoenix. I've been in theater, film, master classes, readings, screenings, previews, call backs, cattle calls, rehearsals, meet and greets....and all of it has been thrilling and terrifying. I can't believe how far I've come. L.A. is a tough town, but if you fight back, she shows you some kindness.

Los Angeles has expanded our family. A year ago Bunny and I celebrated our fifth anniversary by adopting a Chihuahua/Terrier mix named Soba. We love that little sack of fur more than you'll ever know. He is much the temperament of Bryan: Shy at times, bold when provoked, a cuddle bug, sweet, loving, loves to eat, enjoys the outdoors, oh, and very naughty (again these are all Bryan's traits as well!)

I continue to be in awe by all that we've experienced here. Bryan is flourishing with his design work (photos to come) Soba is learning to be more obedient, and I'm learning how to create, and embroider a colorful life. And as a family we are so very pleased that the backdrop for each of our memories is the city of angels. Many locals call this "the city of broken dreams," but this location has expanded on our dreams, and made them very much a reality.

Dream.

Thursday night was a dream.

Cindee surprised me with tickets to Dreamgirls!

Every woman enjoys taking in good theater.

And this musical was such a delight.

"You're gonna love me" gave me a little tear

in my proverbial root beer.

I can't wait to be in another show.
The theater major inside me was bursting.

What's the last show you've seen?

Forcing Spring.

Chateau Yazzie has become an ode to spring.
Flowers are filling every vase.
Pink frosted cupcakes tempt our guests.
Our china is begging to be utilized.
I'm ready for picnics, ferris wheels, and the beach.
Are you ready to cast off the layers?

What I Want Said In My Obituary (many happy years from now.)

On October 15, 2067 Ashley Dyan Yazzie expired of natural causes. The Yazzies had been summering in their beloved cottage in the south of France, their favorite pocket in all the world. Ashley was born in Orange, California but spent her girlhood in the salty deserts of Arizona with her mother Patsy and sister Chanelle. Ashley completed her secondary education at Stephens College of Columbia, Missouri, becoming the first college graduate in her family line. She frequently shared with her children and grandchildren, "My time in Columbia was some of the happiest days of my life." Ashley graduated with honors with a B.F.A. in Theater. She devoted her life to theater, film, television, music, writing and creating. Ashley was never content unless she was working towards these endeavors.

December 18, 2003 Ashley wed Bryan Ray Yazzie for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. There will never be a couple that can match their vivacity, laughter, love and voracity for life and one another. Bryan and Ashley loved to travel, and filled their passports frequently. They lived in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Montreal and France. Ashley was the mother of three children; Bram, Ambra, and Lisbette. Bram said of his mother, "Mom was always happy. She forever had a smile on her face, and delectable treats baking in the oven. My mother wanted each of her children to be wise, lift our hands for good, and to only pursue that which makes us wildly happy. She claimed those ideals were the secret ingredients to her blissful marriage, family and career." When Ashley accepted her Oscar for best supporting actress she declared, "Being a wife and mother have been the richest roles of my existence."

Ashley will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband Bryan Yazzie, her children Bram, Ambra, Lisbette, sister Chanelle Pattinson, and her 55-year-old dog Soba.

Yes, I Have Bad Days Too.

This is the end result
of a rotten, no good,
very bad day;
Ice cream.

Ashley's Academy Award Round Up.

There were thrills and chills to be had by all for last night's 82nd Academy Awards. The man Oscar rules this town for weeks prior to the event. Hollywood has been blocked off for a week, to my driving dismay. But, we make do for the love of the movies. Last night history was made for best director, the first female to win: Kathryn Bigelow! Congratulations for breaking up the boys club, and shattering that glass ceiling. I have selected a few of my favorite looks and love to hate looks:

Best Overall Look:
Miss Sandra: Playing up her best assets, she donned her lovely hair down, and had a pop of fuscia painting her lips. Her silver gown was both ethereal and poetic. What a dream!
Lady Mirren: She is my archtype for classy, sexy sophistication. I aspire to her career and sassy style. She was a vision, and dressed tres age appropriate. I say, "Well done!"
I Gotta Be Me:
Sarah Jessica: I love that you take risks. I felt that your dress was interesting, but I wasn't in lust with it. I loved your buxom bun though. I'm always on board for an epic hairstyle.
Kristen Stewart: I loved that you dolled up on your terms. True to your personal, punk-esque style you kept your edge, but merely sanded the point. Loved it.
Maggie Gyllenhaal: You looked brilliant. I'm pleased that you wore a printed frock. Nobody is brave enough to do that for the red carpet, and you turned it out. I think you are just lovely. Your Oscar is yet to come my dear! P.S. Can we be friends?
Yikes!
Charlize Theron: The rosette boobs really could have gone one of two ways. And they went in the WRONG direction. But, you are oh-so gorgeous, that we really don't care.
The Swank: This wasn't your best look: part provocative swim suit/part silk sarong is never the way to go. But who do you have to impress? You have two golden boys at home!
Who were your favorite hits and misses? How do you think the Co-Hosting went with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin? Do tell!

Graffiti Spotted: Hollywood, CA & Acting Update.

Yesterday I went to Hollywood to meet my director. He gave me a copy of our film! Miguel directed me in the short film entitled, "Boysenberry Pie." {Which is adorable by the way.} On the way to Cyber Java Cafe, I ran into a cheeky, chalk robot. I've always been frightened of robots, so I appreciated the propaganda!

Also, I never write when things are going well acting wise. Here's an update:

The last month was filled with auditions, call backs, dramatic reads, and shoots. Here’s some good news I wanted to share:

1. Learned oodles at Carolyne Barry’s commercial master class.
2. Participated in two sessions, reading new works with “WE MAKE MOVIES.”
3. Did a reading for writer Sandy Comstock’s exciting new pilot.
4. Attended the “LUCKY BREAK” industry networking event.
5. Worked on “on camera” filming techniques with colleagues.
6. Finished shooting a USC student film entitled, “ALONE.”

In the next two months I’ll continue working on my camera techniques, assembling my new credits into a demo reel (hooray!) auditioning, and reading new works with “WE MAKE MOVIES.” I’m excited to see what spring will bring!