Creativity Tuesday: Why does being creative equate miles of paper work?

I feel like a one man band today.  I have been filling out paper work and creating deadlines and waiting on decisions to be made for my webisode.  My Pre-Production list is so very long-it really cracks me up.  I'm feeling the squeeze today.  I'm still waiting for a director to come aboard. No big deal.  {Yikes!}  But, I'm confident that somehow, some way, a fantastic director will materialize.  I do have auditions set up for April 21, 2011 for my male lead.  I'm so nervous and excited at the same time.  Being a producer/writer/actor/gopher is really stressful.  Maybe my first project is waaaaaaay too ambitious.  But, go big, or go home is my motto.  So, too late now!

My Top Secret Project Update.

As promised I want to keep you posted with my Top Secret Project.  I created a pilot for a webisode {mini-show meant for internet}, entitled ANDI OF ANGOURA HILLS.  Why am I doing this?  This is a multi-faceted answer:

1. Improved footage for my demo reel/website.


2. To cast myself as a lead in something fabulous.


3. The opportunity to learn how to be a producer and writer, so that I can continue to develop my own content.


4. To Taft Hartley myself into Screen Actors Guild.

This project is my artistic baby.  I came up with a seedling of an idea last year.  I actually wrote the script {which I am in love with!} in January.  I sat on it for a month because I was fearful of going forward.  Inner monologue:  "I can't do this!  I don't have a crew, finances, equipment, or a complete knowledge base to pursue this.  And even if I do it, what if it sucks?"  Well guess what?  I believe in signs.  And I was prodded forward with the aid of some amazing guardian angels.

For the last two months I have cast two roles, secured brilliant costumers, committed a stunning make-up artist and hair stylist.  I also received a flattering offer to use top notch garments as my costumes.  Yesterday I wrote my proposal to my potential director.  I'm waiting on bated breath to find out his answer.  The best part?  I have a plan B director, and a plan C!  I cannot believe the support and assistance I have received as a result of admitting that this is what I want to do, and what I one-hundred percent believe in. 

What is the plot?  It's a modern day spin on the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES story.  Although, if you watched it without knowing this factoid, you probably wouldn't make the connection.  It's a fresh 3-5 minute episode that could be viewed on your coffee break, leaving you with a smile.  ANDI OF ANGOURA HILLS is also a medium to derive visual inspiration for make-up, hair, and smart apparel styling.  You'll want to forward the episode to your best friend and sister.

I still have much in terms of getting the project to film.  But, every day I'm getting closer.  I never imagined that I would have the courage to orchestrate something like this.  It's incredibly frightening and somehow, extremely empowering.  This post is for my friends that have been asking about the progress.  Thank you for your support.  I'll have more updates to share in the near future!  P.S., when I hit a road block, I look at the above picture, and think of Anne and Gilbert's love and determination.  Inspired, I go forward, and try a different avenue. 

Creativity Tuesday: a lady organizes her stationery.

A lady should have distinguished stationery on hand for any potential occasion.  I have cards, thank you notes, blank gift cards, and any given holiday nod.  However, up until recently I couldn't remember where I put anything.  More over, I had uneccesary clutter maintainging the stationery in the cumbsome boxes they came in.  For simplicity and my sanity, I filed all of my paper goods in clear sleeves and herded them into a large 3-ring binder.  I'm card ready for ANY occasion.  So obvious, and yet, so helpful.

Breaking News.

Breaking News:  My permanent website has officially launched!  This website is better than my dizziest of daydreams.  Be one of the first guests to stop by and take a sneak peek: www.ashleyyazzie.com.  The site is a result of sleepless nights, scribbled sketches, thinking tank sessions, tears, phone calls, and the insurmountable talents of my web designer.  Hallelujah!  My website is up, and I am brimming with pride.

Winter 2011 Inspiration Board.

A temperate California winter has ushered in the year 2011.  It's a time for new beginnings, an assessment of the past, and steadily looking forward to a gilded present and future.  I'm currently inspired by:

1. Chanel's Fall 2009 collection; Victorian Equestrian meets sultry menswear.


2. Black and White.


3. Ribbon/String


4. Birds/feathers/nests/luck


5. The music of; Yeah Yeah Yeahs {Isis EP, & It's Blitz!} Blonde Redhead {Penny Sparkle} Arcade Fire {The Suburbs}

Fall Acting Update.

This

past fall season I
was pleased as pie working on numerous exciting projects.  Here

are a handful of highlights I want to
share with you:

• Booked and filmed the lead
  in a 1950’s era film; SWEET APPLE PIE.


• Launched my website:  www.ashleyyazzie.com


• Refined my on-camera technique in a 8
  week intensive; taught by renowned acting coach Christinna Chauncey.


• Earned my first IMDB credit via
  BOYSENBERRY PIE!


• On-going reader for WE MAKE MOVIES
  writer’s workshop: www.wemakemovies.org


• Attended
  SAG events.  Learned key elements for
  successful agent/client relationships.

In

the winter months I'll be updating new footage for my demo reel,
finalizing details for my website, and working on some
impending top-secret projects!

In

other breaking
news:  I now have a new, favorite book.  Do yourself a
literary favor and obtain a copy of Sherman Alexie's THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE
DIARY OF A PART TIME INDIAN.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll thank me
repeatedly upon completion.

Wishing

you a prosperous New Year, 



Ashley

On Goals, Hurdles, and Resolutions.

I want to share something with you that was recently shared with me. As many of you know I am extremely goal oriented.  I always have yearly goals and personal bench marks that I hold myself accountable for.  It's always rough when I have hurdles that inevitably pop up. When I fall of the wagon, I usually fall hard.  This is usually due to having too many goals at once.  Moreover, the perfectionist in me doesn't know where to start.  I've recently learned how to work on my goals bit by bit without feeling overwhelmed.  If fact, quite the contrary.  

My friend Sandy is a Yogi.  She recently went on a retreat that was all about obtaining goals and realizing dreams.  The counsel she was given was to do things one at a time.  Let's take getting into shape for example.  I fell off the wagon health wise in June when I went on vacation.  I knew I wanted to get back in shape.  I should run three times a week, improve my tone, take vitamins, and eat healthier.  The old Ashley would try to do all of that in one week.  Well guess what? That's too much change for one person, in one little week.  I would have inevitably crashed, felt bad about myself for failing, then gone back to my lazy ways.  

What Sandy counseled me to do was to add one healthy habit to my life in one calendar month.  Big Goal:  Get in shape.  Small Goal:  Run once per week, four times monthly.  This way I would sustain a healthy habit in my life, feel good about accomplishing my goal, then move forward adding another layer.  That's exactly what I did.  Three months ago I accomplished my monthly goal of running/weight training once per week. Then last month I added two days exercise, then one day of no sweets.  Then December I have added three days exercise, and two days no sweets. I cannot tell you how revolutionary this has been for me.  I feel great about what I've accomplished and slowly added to my routine.  

Professionally I've only been working on three goals; improving in film class, working on my website, and researching agencies that would be an appropriate fit for me.  Yes I have numerous goals that I want to work on for my career.  But how about I work on doing less better?  Once I get my submissions sent out, and my website up then I'll work on the next phase.  This has really helped me feel like I have more control in my life.  It's given me permission to focus on smaller bites of the big picture.  I feel like I have consistent follow through, which feels fantastic.  I hope this inspires you while working on your goals, hurdles, and resolutions.  Let me know if these ideas help you out in the future.  Or if you have more ideas to share with me.   XO, Ashley 

It's NOT easy.

I was reading Elsie's blog today on the struggles of being an artist.  Check it out {here.}  I want to share my response to Elsie regarding my pursuit of an unorthodox path.

I totally get it. My husband and I
are both artists living in Los Angeles. It's such an expensive city.
And nothing is easy here. Even something seemingly simple like parking
is such a struggle. Parking tickets, towing, paying to park at the
library, restaurants, shopping. It's ridiculous. 



I'm an actress, and I've been nose to the grind stone for years. I
remember when I was in college one of my acting teachers told us to look
to the left, then look to the right. He said, "Less than half of those
people will be pursuing acting within four years." I thought, "Not us.
We love what we do, and we are focused and committed." But, six years
later, most of the people in my graduating class are no longer pursuing
acting. 



Because being an artist is hard. It means sacrifices of time and
comfort. It means very little recognition. It means day jobs. It means
having barely enough money to get by. It means that my paycheck is
often imaginary. It means never EVER retreating. Even when it would be
so much easier to have a 401k, 9-5 job. 



We are artists because it's a visceral need within us. A desire that
cannot be hushed or denied. I get it. I get it so much I could cry.
But I take comfort in the small benchmarks that keep me sustained as I
go. Because I would be miserable pretending to do anything else but
actively pursuing what I live, and love to do. 



Ashley

Birthday.

I've been celebrating my Birthday every day since last Thursday.  But today will mark the actual increase. I love Birthdays, and I think that this year is going to be wonderful.  Over the last year I've stretched and grown so very much.  I've become a better wife, actor, friend, and a better teacher.  I've increased my knowledge base spiritually, personally, artistically, and professionally.  I've made new friends, and maintained valued friendships with my old friends.  

My favorite moments of last year were:

This family portrait:  {here.} 

My first demo reel:  {here.}

Falling for macarons:  {here.}

Channeling Miss Frizzle:  {here.}

Liveliest inspiration board to date: {here.}

The Aztec Ruins:  {here.}

Mastering French Toast:  {here.}

The Wild Things Contest:  {here.}

Our Bunnie Moon:  {here.}

I've made some fascinating goals to achieve prior to my next Birthday.  I'm excited to share them with you, as I cross them off one by one.  Hooray for becoming one year older and wiser too!

Busy bee.

 

And she's off. Off to an audition, then a house warming party, then work.  This is a photo from a failed project this week.  {Le sigh.}  It's fine.  The next batch will be better.  I'll be so glad when my top secret project for my website is complete, and the way I want it. 

Culture Club: Secrets to Staying Young.

Everyone wants to find the fountain of youth.  I know that I do!  I have so many things that I want to accomplish in this life.  So, I want to stay healthy and vital as I get older.  This morning I saw a segment by SELF magazine that I thought I should share.  

SECRETS TO STAYING YOUNG:

1.  get your 8 hours of sleep.

2.  adopt a pet.  {they keep you running, & lower blood pressure.}

3.  eat antioxidants:  blueberries, cranberries, raspberries.

4.  wear you seatbelt.

5.  drink in moderation.

6.  know your waist circumference:  below 35 inches is optimal.

7.  10 grams of fiber daily.

8.  reduce stress and blood pressure. 

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.

Pop Icon meets Soda Pop.

Saturday was sort of thrilling. The Smashing Pumpkins held a secret show on Record Day. The show was held at Space 1520. And being part of the Urban Outfitter's family, we were put on "the list." Thanks again Melissa! I've never seen the Pumpkins before. Well, it's more like Billy and company now, but you get the gist. They were completely spot on musically. And Mr. Corgan, is so very bald, funny, tall, and an amazing vocalist and guitarist.

After the show we went to Unami Burger and sipped some adorable bottled soda pops. Several fans were there as well as the band's friends and family. I saw Billy walk into the restaurant and hissed, "Everyone act normal!" As soon as I said that, we all became unnaturally rigid and too, too quiet. Ha! While watching the band and enjoying a perfect Los Angeles day, I had one of those {I can't believe this is my life} moments. Do you ever have those?

The Scoop.

Yesterday was a two scoop
kind of day. {In a good way.}
I had chocolate peanut butter
& almond/pistachio nut.
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Old Friends.

Last week I really thought a lot about my alarm clock. This is one of the few objects that I own, that has seen me through the best and worst moments of my life. My step dad bought me the little guy when I was nine years old. He was present when my little sister was born and brought home from the hospital. He saw me through my parent's divorce. He played Color Me Bad when I needed a pick me up. He traveled with me to college all the way to Missouri, and endured a sticky summer of theater in Iowa. Then he traveled with me back to Arizona, and woke me up the day of my wedding. And now, years and years have past and he perches happily where he has always remained; next to my bedside. He too loves it in Los Angeles. He wakes us up each morning, and gladly plays music for our puppy Soba while Bryan and I are away.

Last week he was dropped hastily to the ground. His neon, trusty digits ceased from flashing. Bryan and I held our breath. We knew he was gone. In truth, I was devastated. But, like any good M. Night Shamalan movie, there was a surprise twist. He started blinking 12:00 repeatedly a couple of hours later. And I felt such relief and happiness. What a dear, old friend. Please never leave my bedside again. We have much more to experience together!

Love Your Companion,
Ashley

Update.

For the past five days I've been in Arizona spending time with my sister and family. Last week was literally the epitome of stress and anxiety. Later in the week {when we could exhale} it was filled with laughter, gratitude, and tears of joy. My sister went from the Intensive Care Unit, to Trauma, to the Physical Therapy Ward. Chanelle is doing much better after one week and two days post accident.

Her current prognosis; she still has the pool of blood on the left side of the brain. This will take some time for the brain to completely absorb. This injury caused some damage, and manifests itself with her altered humor, temperament, taste for food and drink, and short term memory. Her clavicle is broken, but the pelvis is fractured. She is working with amazing physical therapists daily. The goal being to get her coordination and strength returned, while working her joints and preventing atrophy from bed rest.

Sister also works with an occupational therapist to flex her brain. They ask her numerous questions, critical thinking situations, and have her solve riddles and puzzles. In short, she's exhausted. But we remind her that she keeps asking to go home, and her only ticket is through following the strict regimen. She's working very hard on doing what the physicians ask of her, and I'm sure she'll be out of the hospital as soon as feasibly possible.

I want to thank the fifty people that have visited my sister and family at the hospital. Thank you to the people who have sent flowers, cards, brownies, balloons, and delicious meals. Thank you to the kind nurses, doctors, therapists and support staff. And least of all, best of all, thank you to each of you that have sent their prayers, good thoughts and encouragement to not only my family, but myself. I am deeply touched. Four friends candidly told me that they don't even believe in God, and or aren't religious, but they were going to pray to a higher power on our behalf. I was completely in awe. Please accept my honest gratitude for all that you have done, and continue to do.

Love,

The Yazzies, Pennicks, and Mattices

Image via powodzenia

The Day Job Inspires.

I pass through this kitchen countless times weekly.

The quote above the archway deeply inspires me.

"You are only as good as your last plate."

In my case, I try to remember I'm only as good as

my last audition, act of kindness, lesson at church,

lending support to my husband, family or friends.

I am constantly trying to figure out how to improve my next "plate."

The great part about getting older is the wisdom gained along the way.

A pinch of this, a smidge of that; every experience lends to the next.

Post Script: The patrons cannot see that quote or the art work. It's entirely for the aesthetic and benefit of our talented chefs. Brilliant.

Bang, Bang!

I've been busy cutting my hair....

then carefully giving it a disheveled look.

Accentuate the Positive.

I love being a positive woman. {go figure!}

I've observed that many people are negative Nellies.

Which is to be expected, sometimes its
hard to find good in the bad.

I've always thought the world was divided in two types of people;

Half Full and Half Empty.

But guess what? There's worse than half empty!

There's 1/4 empty.

I had a woman snarl at me a month ago to refill her literal

glass that was missing only 1/4 of ice tea.

I was shocked; she must frequently be disappointed by life.

And what good sprouts from negativity?

I choose silver lining.

I choose a positive outlook.

I choose smiles + giggling.

My positive moments this weekend?

1. Taking Soba to the dog park.
2. Filming a NEW MOON spoof.
3. Divine food.
4. Delicate flowers.
5. Spiritual refueling.
6. My new dress.

Life Injection Report Card #2

Over all, I'm pleased with the results of my second report card. The main difference in my life is that I have become a warden over my time. I watch over it jealously. Because I have a clear picture in my mind's eye of the best version of myself, and

I will not retreat until the picture becomes a reality.

I am pleased because I know that I have made such progress in these last few weeks. Which I will continue to adopt in my daily routine post the 30 day trial! I find that I have a stronger sense of purpose. Particularly when I write out my to do list the night prior. I also accept adjustments along this new path including; the realization that 6am is much too early for a woman that works until 11:30pm. But I can do 7am or 8am if I'm exhausted. I am also learning to quiet "Ashley the Hulk" when matters are completely outside of my control, {bad tips, flaky actors, not booking roles after call backs, frizzy hair, etc.}

My golden Birthday is on Sunday. And I like the
person I have become. I'm going to light a candle and blow it out knowing that I'm doing my personal best. How are you doing on your path?