As you have read, I am an actor. All, MOST, gigs aren't paid these days, but when you love the art as much as I do, you take on gigs simply for the enjoyment...(or in this case for the enjoyment and to help out a friend!--AND LET'S NOT CONFUSE ANYTHING, YES I HAVE BEEN PAID, MORE TIMES OVER...moving along...) Since last Tuesday, I have been a witness for a "mock trial". I cannot begin to explain how much fun this has been! Gosh! I have juggled two characters (depending on which night) and it has been a thrill. My dear friend Carolyn has also been along for the ride (her daughter is in Law School-we're doing it for her). On alternating nights, we play the plaintiff's witnesses, Dana Dalton & Lt. Corey Jackson, or the defendant's witnesses, Chris Allman & Terri Escobar. She keeps advancing...I'll keep you posted!
At VCU, I've been prepping to help out with my friend, RTCC Award Winning Actor for best Ensemble - Justin (Ha! Did you like that introduction? I bet!) It's for his directing class. That too has been fun. I love working with different artists. Understanding their vision. Seeing them in and out of their element. Much respect. (Also, if you get a chance, Justin is starring in "Fences" by August Wilson. Be sure to check it out!
This past weekend at work, there was a memorial- a vaudevillian burlesque show brunch. It was nice. Fabulous and simple. RIP Phil Slomski (Special thanks to my friends Carolyn and Fuchsia for their help, love & support!)
On a sad note, my cousin, Shamia, lost her baby about 6-ish weeks before she was to be born. Very sad occasion. Tink, as she is called by family, is in great spirits. I talked with her the following morning after the ordeal and after a short time spent on reflecting, we jumped in to conversations that of course resulted in us both laughing our asses off! *smile* She's such a strong young woman. "In time...," were my words for her. LOVE!
This week has been pretty busy. With traveling back and forth, up and down I-95. Richmond, Midlothian, Petersburg...and back again...I am looking forward to going home-to Portsmouth-to be with my mommy and Toni (my sister).
But I'll leave y'all with this-although busy, I enjoyed this type of busy. It is fun. Refreshing. (Unpaid...) but I'm happy. I did mention that right? The search to find my happy... Yeah, hmmm *ponders* *cues A Change is Gonna Come .
God is love.Love is family + friends!
Mel
