Rentable: NINE.

It's a musical folks. And if you have a man watching with you, he'll probably fall asleep like mine did.  The plot circles around the debauchery of Italian director Guido.  And like many directors he has his many "muses."  From Dame Judy Dench, to Kate Hudson you'll enjoy the merry go round of goddesses.  The singing is mostly sub par, the roles were by and large mal-cast.  However, there are stand out numbers such as Fergie's sand scene, and the gorgeous costuming that make it worth a peek.

Quotable Quotes.

"There is no such cozy combination as man and wife."-Menander

Creativity Tuesday: Arrange Flowers.

I live for fresh flowers. These blue thistles were given to me by my sweetheart on Saturday. Whenever I'm given flowers I arrange them to my specific liking. These are my tips for successful arrangements:

1.  Invest in pruning sheers

2.  Remove leaves from stems. {prevents water from clouding.}

3.  Cut stems at an angle. {preferably under water}

4.  When cutting/arranging, longer stems at the center, medium in the middle, shortest on the outside.

5.  Maintaining fresh flowers: trim stems every other day

6.  Change water every other day, add a few drops of bleach to keep bacteria at bay.

7.  Don't have a vase?  No problem.  Use a pitcher, empty bottles, glasses, teapots, etc.  Add some visual interest!

Culture Club: 100 Things.

Recently I was introduced to Keri Smith by way of {this} girl, who found Keri through one of her friends.  I fell in love with Keri Smith's 100 Ideas to write in a journal.  I thought this would be a fun activity to share with my girl friends from college.  Who by the way are scattered from sea to shining sea now!  We started last week, and have been doing one assignment daily.  Some of the tasks include:




1.  Go for a walk.  Draw or list the things you find on the side walk.

2.  Write a letter to your future self.

3.  Buy something inexpensive as a symbol for your need to create, (new pen, a tea cup, journal) use it every day.  {The picture above is my talisman fulfillment for number 3. It's a tiny movie camera, and when you click the handle the lens lights up and makes a projecting noise. Perfect daily reminder of what I love.}

4.  Draw your dinner.




The tiny assignments have been such fun to work on. It's particularly fascinating to see how my friends interpret the assignment and make it totally their own.  I feel that women should always stay sharp, and flex their creativity.  If you want to join in the fun, check out Keri Smith's blog {here.}  She has a pdf to down load her 100 things.  Let me know how it goes!

Most Rentable: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

If you have a Blue Ray, you've probably noticed that the rental section for said machine is nil.  Out of pure desperation I rented this number.  I'm so very glad that I did....

Teenage heartbreak looms over our male protagonist Nick.  He, an indie kid from New York, loves music almost as much as the girl Trist {his heart breaker.}  To soothe his broken soul, Nick prepares Trist lovingly mixed tapes.  Trist discards the rad mixes scoffing at his pathetic ways.  Enter Norah.  She plucks up the mixed c.d.s.  Without ever seeing Nick, she feels she's found her musical soul mate.  Rent it. Laugh.  Enjoy the rad music and strong supporting characters.  {images via fanpop & imdb}

Music Wins.

Last night husband and I saw The Dead Weather play an amazing spectacle at The Palladium.  Allison Mossart was outrageous.  She has more sass in one strand of her wily hair, than most rockers have throughout their entire careers.  Loves.  {pronounced with a Bostonian accent.}

What I Wore Wednesday: A Bathing Suit

Husband and I went to the beach on
Saturday. We rented bikes and
rode from Santa Monica Pier to
Venice.  After a
stressful week, we needed a laugh or two.  {Did I mention Bryan's parked
truck was totaled by an uninsured drunk driver?}  Oh, yes-then there
was that!  And before you ask, "Didn't your car get broken into a few
weeks ago?"  Um, yes, it most certainly did.  Both of cars have been
accosted by our fellow Angelenos.  Don't worry about us, we're
resilient!  I've digressed....

Ingredients:

Swim Suit:  Urban Outfitters $55.00

Hot Pink 70's Shorts:  Vintage $0.00
gifted from Rachel

Black Belt:  Thrifted $2.00

Gladiator Sandals:  Nordstrom Rack
$25.00

Bike:  Rental $15.00 for a day

Creativity Tuesday: Muppet Green Nails.

Creativity Tuesday: Home Gallery.

My little art gallery is growing.  I recently purchased the landscape scene {on the bottom right corner} for Husband's Birthday.  My heart is happy.

Culture Club: Ashley Yazzie's Demo Reel.

Ask me if I have a demo reel.  {Non-existent pause.}  Why yes!  Yes I do.  Please pump up the volume to hear the dialogue.  It's super low on youtube for some reason.  Denizens of the world, I give you my first actor's reel. 

Most Rentable: Gentleman Broncos.

I will never preview a film as bizarre and kitschy as GENTLEMAN BRONCOS.  If you are are science fiction buff, or attended school with the like, you'll totally 'get it.' The flick follows teen underdog Benjaman Purvis.  Ben attends a writing workshop for teens meeting characters so bizarre, they could only be found in Utah.  With a palate for Sci-Fi, Ben becomes thrilled at the prospect to listen to keynote speaker, Dr. Ronald Chevalier (Sci-Fi Godfather.)  Desperately tapped out for plot lines, Chevalier steals Benjaman's manuscript-laughter ensues.  Check out the belly busting low-tech effects, brilliant costuming, and comedic chops of Sam Rockwell, Jermaine Clement, and Jennifer Coolidge.

Today.

Finish Line.

I frequently see a graffiti happy face at the end of a nearby trail.  I often ponder on it's maker.  I wonder if the artist had an inkling of how many people would look upon it's silly face.  Then smile involuntarily at the smile.  It makes me run a smidgeon faster every time I see it.

Culture Club: Napkin Etiquette.

Recently I was asked a dining etiquette question that bares repeating.  Question:  When should the napkin be placed on the lap?  Answer: The napkin should be unfolded, then placed on the lap immediately after being seated.  In an upscale restaurant the host or server will place the napkin on your lap for you.  When you are finished with the meal, simply place the napkin loosely to the side of the plate.  Did you know this golden rule?  image found {here.}

Macaron Firsts and Friends.

Last night I received the most unexpected surprise from my friend Shana.  {Who by the way, is so very lovely and a complete original}  She recently tried a macaron for the very first time!  Macarons are my absolute favorite.  I'm honored that she shared the amazing experience with me.  Thank you Shana!

Acting Update.

As many of you know I have been acting, and studying theater for much of my life.  I love performing with all my heart.  After I graduated with my B.F.A. I was curious about film and decided to start auditioning.  After my inaugural film, I was hooked.  The perfectionist in me loved the opportunity to continue doing a scene until it was right.

A large reason for moving to Los Angeles was to seek additional opportunity.  I have found that, and then some in California.  Recently I've been working on my demo reel (or a medley of films that I've done.)  Demos are used to show directors, casting directors, and agents your acting chops.  I'm happy to reveal that mine will be done this weekend.  It has been my Everest trying to book quality projects, obtaining the footage from the directors, then finding someone to edit the beast!  However, it's finally coming together!  Last week when I met with Ramsey to go over the preliminary editing, I had tears in my eyes.  I was overcome with emotion that my goals have finally materialized.

Last night husband updated new projects, education, and interests, on my talent resume.  As I looked over it I felt myself beaming with joy.  It's odd to review something tangible that represents hours of time, years in the making, thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of education, millions of miles tread for auditions, call backs, rehearsals, and show runs.  That piece of paper represents my resilience, persistence and tenacity.  It's a beautiful, powerful thing.  I love how that piece of paper continues to grow in tandem as I do, both as a performer and individual.  

Up next:

1. assembling my website:  www.ashleyyazzie.com


2. printing additional head shots, postcards, and business cards


3. proving to sought after agents to sign me


4. enrolling in an awesome class


5. producing/acting/directing/writing my own theater production


6. continuing networking/attending workshops

image found {here.}

Constant Companion: Mr. Soba Sobes.

This little Chihuahua has defined the word "cute" in my life.  I snapped these shots a few days ago whilst he was trying to take his mid-morning nap.  Are you a dog person or cat person?

Creativity Tuesday: Setting Tables With Panache.

I have worked in the food and beverage industry for the past three years.  I've worked at two critically acclaimed restaurants in both Phoenix and Los Angeles.  I love good food, that's a given.  But I'm equally impressed by presentation.  Whether I'm having a meeting at my house, girls night in, or a formal gathering, I focus on presentation.  Appearance is 9/10 of the law after all.  A show stopping table setting shows your guest that they are both welcomed and valued.



In the above images I assembled a sample dinner table.  Please reference the fourth picture for formal dining setting etiquette.  You must know the rules in order to break them.  For my tables I try to use something old, something new, grouped with something odd.  As in the example, I used different textures, patterns and color combination.  Throw a conversation piece on there as well.  Just have fun!  And, please use your china.  Don't allow it to gather dust year after year.  Use it!  Because today is your "special occasion."  4th image found {here.}

Wants. Not. Needs.

I have wants.  Some of the tangible goodies I'm wanting right now:  an enormous loft down town, four ghost chairs, a painting by Henry Darger, and oh, yes....fruit tarts.  The intangible:  an awesome, new friend, adventure, a muse, a mish-mash family, and a project that scares me to death.  {Photos via apartment therapy & more}

Rentable: An Education.

Most Rentable:  This coming of age story is both painful and exciting.   A young woman from the sixties is in pursuit of Oxford University, much to the delight of her father.  Upon her journey to said destination, she happens upon a worldly man that offers a thrilling life, such as she's never known before.  Will she stay on scholarly track?  Or will she choose an exciting, charmed life filled with art, Chanel Number 5, trysts in France, and an electric beau?  To find out, you must rent this little treasure, AN EDUCATION.  P.S. Carrie Mulligan, so deserved her Oscar nomination for this role. {Image sources unknown.}