[LIFE] Dreams Do Come True...

I was talking with a dear friend on the phone last night when I realized like 75% of the dreams that I had in December 2010, have happened already this year. I knew this, but I did not understand how serious this was... so here I am understanding how my world represents my thoughts. This allows me to see how much power I have in creating my world.

So, while my goals and dreams from Dec 2010 were awesome. Five months have passed since that month. I ask to end June off in a different place in life. After all, June 30, 2010 ( my sis bday) was when I officially began to go after my wildest dreams, after my layoff as a Quality Manager for a NC Medical Device firm.

A year has never gone by so fast.... as this past year. I'm going to go into July with a 360 degree different mind, life, and faith.

I'm living out my dreams...

[CAREER] I'm Jennifer Hudson In Ray....

I'm not going no where! It's only Thursday, and I've had two AWFUL auditions this week already. One was avoidable, and one wasn't. But you know what? I'm not going no where. I'm on this acting journey for life now, so I have no plan B. What I will do is learn from both situations and keep it moving. In regard to my online media business, I seem to be connecting well with people online. This makes me feel good and it allows me to see that my work is paying off. People are reviewing my sites and are getting involved in the topics that I present to them online.

My career dream right this minute is simple. 1) I'd like to be cast in Tyler Perry's pilot, " For Better Or Worst". I'd like to be cast in a role that I can develop, a series regular role. I'd like to be given a chance. 2) I'd like to grow my online business into something where I help people with their diversity, multicultural issues and so on. I'd love to grow my business to a point where I am of a great service using my great connecting skills. 3) I'd love to write scripts based on subject matters that interest me.

When I look at the above...right this moment, I have a chance to create my own opportunity. I have openings in all of these areas. I'm going to work hard at trying my best with all.

Regardless, I'm not going no where. I've identified what I want career wise and now I need to get it. 

[WRITING] The Importance Of Writing Out My Plans.... Before & After...

This week has been eventful, and I must say that because I wrote out a plan in advance, it allowed me to envision what I desired first on paper. Of course all did not happen as I wrote, but it was close. So, today, I will write some more. I feel as though I am writing my way to my dreams. Its a combination of dreaming, acting on my dreams, and writing, and then living out the prayer.

No Updates today or any fancy :) Just a new actor chick doing lots of writing, going on lines for a project, and a bit of other work with my business and all.

[THOUGHTS] Taking A Step Back To Take In MY Big Accomplishments & Prep For My Next...

Its amazing what happens when you create a goal and set a deadline. I did that last Feb and surpassed my goal, however, instead of taking at least one day to pat myself on the back... I kept on going hard at bigger goals. However, that's not the right way to live. What I've learned is that the right way for me to live, is set the goals with deadlines and then when I meet the deadlines, I need to then pat myself on the back and say well done to myself...

Well, I'm saying, "Well done" to myself for a goal I set for myself last Feb to get 100% into the arts and entertainment industry. My goal was very simple, to work professionally as an actress. To be a member of a professional film organization, get talent agent, and imdb credits. Well, I now work professionally as an actress, I have done small parts here and there, and I am working on a contract with the GA Renaissance Festival.

This year so far, I've shot one commercial, two student films, done background work for 3 projects, in June I will shoot an indie film (supporting role), and then the festival where although I am a host---Its requested that I speak Kings English and costume. I'm a member of the Atlanta chapter of Women in Film &TV, and now I am assisting in any way that I see fit with a creation of a PSA on domestic violence. Last but not least, I have a NC talent agent who has been nice to me, and I have two official credits on imdb.com. I've had so many auditions and callbacks this year, that I am scared... a good scared.

I say this to say, today... career wise I took a step back and I am happy of how far I have come. Of course I have additional goals now to go higher, but I am thankful to God for giving me the energy to make the first "leap".

Here's My Current Haps:
1. Check out my company - Global Culture Science and let me know if you need any help with your global non profit or business with web writing, consulting and so on. Last week, the German American Chamber of Commerce contacted me to do business with one of their members ( A German company). I meet with them next month, and I need to increase my services and reach. I need to grow this business, because I deeply have a passion for connecting cultures and empowering non native Americans. I just do....

2. I blog daily at two blogs: Global Black Women and The Culturatist. These are sites that support the parent company of GCSB (mentioned above). PLEASE check out the sites and post your comments and what not. I have another site on the sciences, but its in development.

3. As I mentioned above, I am a hostess at this years GA's Renaissance Festival! I'll be the only black when you come to the festival, handling guest ticketing and other hosting duties. I'll get to use my sweet English accent so join me :) http://www.garenfest.com

4. As I mentioned above, I'm a member of Women In Film &TV of Atlanta. We are currently producing a PSA on domestic Violence for October ( Domestic Violence Awareness month) and we are currently raising money for the cause. I have to personally say that I have learned so much by helping them. Its surreal. You can donate funds or learn more about the PSA here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Peace-Begins-At-Home?c we are also having fundraisers all around the Atlanta metro area right now, until Thursday, so shoot me an email at mashawnda@gmail.com if you'd like to help us with raising funds.

5. I'm a member of the United Nations Association. Outside of film, I have a passion for bridging the gaps between the USA and our worlds global culture. So currently, I'm assisting the GA chapter with membership advancement, and creating a partnership with WIFTA. I really want to get Nicole Kidman, who is a UN ambassador on domestic violence to speak on/in the PSA. So I'm working on that as I type. If you have a interest in the UNA, PLEASE check us out at www.unausa.org


6. I shot a student film at the Univ of NC at the School of the Arts last weekend, so as soon as I get that footage, I will share with you all. In addition, I will be auditioning for a few contests this month. I have a few big auditions coming up in May and June. So all is busy and well on the acting front. You can check out the school's site here: www.uncsa.edu 


7. I pitched a great article on the UN for the Atlantan magazine, and the editor told me that she was interested in the article. Its my dream to write the article, if its approved, of course I will share! You can check out the Atlantan magazine here: http://www.modernluxury.com/the-atlantan 


8. I have an August 2011 Triathlon coming up. A goal I have been working on for the past 2 years. Please check out the race that I will be doing on my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC at this link: http://www.endurancemag.com/winston-salem-home

I will be guest blogging my TOTAL experience at the www.blackgirlsrun.com site. So I'm excited. To tell you a bit, I was hit by the bug to do a race in 2009 at a Chapel Hill, NC Ramblin Rose that I volunteered at on the behalf of Girls on The Run. In 2010, I attended a free workshop at REI on beginning TRi's and this year I worked a indoor tri, and now I am prepping for my August tri. This is a sport or event that I want to do for a lifetime, so I am starting small with the August race. 


Other than that, I attended SGI for the first time last month and I will be going back. I have clearly identified the fact that I desire a relationship :) and I took a two week workshop on LOVE in Feb 2011---so I am ready for that... and I think that's it for now...


Oh, I will be in this online magazine next month as a eligible bachelorette (yes, me)... when I get the low down.... of course I will share. 


ANYWAYS, check out some of my involvements and get involved as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I'm going to chill on all social media for a while ( with the exceptions of my blogging)... so be sure to be on the look out on my haps!!!! Oh, and for the record... I share this info because just maybe some of you all are interested in my haps or so....

[CAREER UPDATE] At a Good Place...

I'll Have To figure This Out...

Well, I'm at a turning point right now. Lots of things brewing, behind on a couple of bills because of my non paying career status ( well not FT)... and so forth. But, I'm at a great place career wise because I need to get some damn money for my services and that means I have to make some things happen that I woulde normally sit on my ass about. 

So, this week I hit up the River Run International Film Festival, I did a student film at Univ North Carolina School of the Arts, and I start my gig at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. I still need to get paid. Money helps relieve stress and energy... so that I can put towards my craft and creating. I like to be creative!

Soooooooo, while I am working on everything ( submitting for acting gigs, neog and pitching to publication editors to write for them, meeting with people to buy ads and sponsor my websites on global culture)... I am also working on an original web short that I create, direct, and star in. So, right now I am in the research phase. 

I'm going to win this career battle right now. My challenge is to get a gig where I can pay my base bills of $2000 a month. All in all, to be very frank, I've calculated it and I need to generate $5,000 a month to pay my bills, make sure I am well groomed, health insurance, IRA, and savings and travel. I need $5k a month. 

So just know if you have not heard from me in a bit. I am working to get over this money mountain. To be honest, I need to just live better, and I will do it with the talents that I have now. 

Okay that's it. Back to work and living. 

[This Week] The River Run Intl Film festival

Festivals Website

Michael Shannon

Well, yesterday started off well. Actually, my week started off on Saturday, where I had to be in Georgia in the am for orientation for the festival ( I am a hostess), and secondly, I was in a student film on Saturday night on the campus of the Univ of NC School of the Arts.

So I did all of that, and then on Monday I started to check out the events. Last night, I went to see a Q&A with actor Michael Shannon. It was a pretty lively discussion he had with director Jeff Nichols.

Here are my brief notes from the event:

1. Jeff told the crowd that he sold a film at this years Sundance---sight unseen starring Michael Shannon. He said he believes it was because the person who bought the project saw Michael performing in a play off broadway I think. Either way this registered in my mind that actors should always be acting, because you never know who's watching.

2. Michael went over how he got the role in Revolutionary Road. He said he saw that they were casting and he asked his manager to get him and audition. From this I took that if you see something you want simple call up and ask to audition.

3. Michael went over how sometimes he just got roles via the most random situations. However, what I realized was that it all seem like it came through the word of mouth. From his take, Hollywood talks and if one director likes you ( just like a friend would). They will tell others to check you out.

4. Michael went over how weird directors can be, but he added that as an actor stay in your lane. He said on his new show on HBO a director asked him to do something rather crazy in his opinion for a scene, however in the end the scene looked good. From this I took away, actors must surrender to the filming.

5. Lastly, but not least I learned from the interview that all people in film must remain faithful in the process, because things may very well turn out better than you have planned.

* Last night I also flt to urge to get back in LA scene after I get Atlanta started. To be honest, Michael made the process of morphing into an actor seem like a risky, yet spiritually and people focused career to get involved in.

** He also mentioned that with his latest role in Superman, he hopes he can use the fame from this project to bring more money to his smaller future projects. This was a great comment that he made that I will use.

[PRAYER] Not Losing Faith...

Pic from the DR from last November 2010

Today, I sat in observance of my life and I realized that I am living out my dreams. I then realized that those of us that can keep the faith, no matter how small, when things get rough, are doing the life journey thing right. Just like the rain and sun in the Caribbean... the storms follow the sun and vice versa. We must always know and have faith that when its sunny, a storm will come, and when its stormy the sun will come. This is what keeps me in check on a daily basis. This is not the gospel...just my belief. 

[CAREER UPDATE] Georgia Renaissance Festival & UNCSA Student Film

I'm glad I didn't let my skin color stop me from auditioning for this opportunity!

This week is a super busy week for me. Not only will I jump back to blogging ( took a 3 week hiatus from both), I have some writing to do, and I want to get some ads on my sites. In addition to this weeks business, I have my official orientation for the Georgia Renaissance Festival ( where I have been hired to be a hostess of sorts), and on Saturday evening I am in a Univ of NC School of the Arts student film. 

I'm excited to be blessed to do what I love, and to have a sane mind while doing it. Okay, I am not sane 24/7 - 365... but I'm focused. 

Life is good.