A friend of mine (we'll call her "Friend G") solicited her blog readers for input regarding some decorating ideas for her house last week. I have another friend (we'll call her "Friend T") (who ironically know each other from high school although they live on opposite sides of the country now) who, since I've known her, has referred to a few blogs for sewing and crafting ideas. There have been numerous times I've dropped in to her place and she proceeds to show me her project new ideas she got from so-and-so blog. They're cute and ingenious, and have seemed to me completely out of my scope of time and interest.
Until now.
When the aforementioned Friend G requested, with photos, "What should I do with this... and this space?" my first thought was colored in envy. She has a house. She has time to decorate, refinish, paint, sew, etc. She has a house. She has a room in her house that's just for an office with an adorable colored wall. She has a house.
You see, real estate in L.A. is a joke. The people in these beautiful, modest homes in our neighborhood have either 1) lived there since they bought the land for $20k, or 2) bought the homes mortgaged up to their eyeballs, or 3) moved to the neighborhood to be "modest," though they're independently wealthy, and park their X5 and Mercedes S-Class in front of their 2,000 sq.ft. $950k home.
Because we're going to live in L.A. until much later further notice, and we do not fit in any of the above three categories, we're looking at very modest living quarters for a while. Which I'm just fine with! I'm not complaining; it's just that I have felt so limited in expressing my creativity in my living quarters knowing that I'm "just renting." So our stuff ends up being hodge-podge, poorly organized, and not-so-attractive. The hubs and I have a lot of stuff too.
Back to Friday and Friend G... Upon her solicitation, I recalled one of the blogs that Friend T used to create a few fun things for her apartment. The style totally reminded me of Friend G. I couldn't remember which one it was so I went blog searching.
Before I knew it, I was completely entangled in a web of crafting and sewing blogs. (It was a slow day at work; what can I say?) I saw about a dozen projects of re-fashioning clothing and re-purposing household stuff, simple-but-adorable sewing, and functional-but-adorable toys and pieces for children. And I thought, "HEY! I CAN DO THAT!" Not only can I do that, but I want to do that.
Friday night I came home with fresh eyes. I looked at everything in my house with a new, creative eye. I asked myself, "What functional use could I do with that instead of throw it away and buy something in its place?" I saw new uses for the body butter jars in my bathroom when I'm done with them (yes, there are three, partially used jars because I like different scents for different moods), and I envisioned what I could do with the hubby's really nice shirts that he never wears because there's a prominent stain on the arm and he doesn't have the heart to get rid of them. (They are very nice shirts.)
I am inspired.
So thank you Friend G, for the unintentional nudge for creativity, and thank you Friend T, for taking an extra day to get back to me with that one blog name. If you hadn't of solicited the feedback and if I had the blog name right then, I wouldn't have gone searching. Because of the two of you, I'm ready to implement my own ideas and sew children's dresses, design quiet books, make trendy hair flowers, and otherwise make my modest L.A. living space attractive and unique, regardless of however long we're here.
Now I need to make the time...
And for those who are curious, here are a list of the blogs and/or projects I'm so excited to dig into:
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/06/finished-quiet-book.html
http://sewsaucy.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-take-on-mens-shirt-refashion.html
http://sewsaucy.blogspot.com/2010/06/sarahs-3-hour-sundress-how-to.html
http://sewsaucy.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-use-for-some-old-junk.html
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/08/blog-post.html
http://windhula.blogspot.com/2010/06/diy-ottoman-tutorial.html
http://6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com/2010/08/lamp-love.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lemondropdreams
In the fashion of these blogs, and to "pay forward" for the tutorials and ideas, I plan on posting my own tutorials and soliciting your feedback on a few items I own that I know have functional AND attractive potential, but haven't envisioned it yet. Perhaps I'll even have enough to create a whole new "LA Creative" blog (or something).
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Observations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Observations. Show all posts
1/29/10
Life of a Producer's Wife
I know I need to add more photos in my posts, but I have more to "say" than "show" right now...
A few months ago the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation approached UCLA's film department and asked for submissions (short films) for a campaign the foundation is implementing to enact policy change regarding non-traditional students in higher education. Submissions were required to be from a team of 3 grad students -- producer/director/writer, and they could submit as many well-prepared ideas as they wanted. Out of more than 70 submissions, the hubby's team was one of 5 or so who were accepted as possible projects early this month to be fully funded by the foundation. However,that didn't mean it was a done deal.
They've gone through several revisions, adjustments, etc. with their concept. I have forgotten how many all-nighters or almost-all-nighters the hubs has pulled to make deadlines. As this project has unfolded, most evenings have gone like this:
I pick him up from class Monday-Thursday at 10:00 p.m. We have a brief conversation on the drive home. He grabs a bite to eat and works on his laptop while I get ready for bed. I interrupt him for a few minutes to pray and read scriptures with me. Then I fall asleep listening to his voice chattering away with his director on Skype in the next room. This goes on for hours. Poor guy... I know he wants to sleep.
On Wednesday, the foundation gave his project the "green light." This is cause for great rejoicing for a number of reasons. First, this qualifies for one of his requirements for graduation -- producing and delivering a short film. But this opportunity means that it's not being funded by the Crowes, but by the Gates' Foundation accounts! This will also be a wonderful opportunity for the hubby to travel, meet some cool people and have more hands-on producing experience.
But with this "green light," I also saw a heavy burden rest on his shoulders. I got a taste of the producer's weight of responsibility and a morsel of what's to come in his professional career. The final outcome and the success of this project rests on his shoulders. However, this project isn't the only other thing he's juggling! He has 1 1/2 quarters left till he graduates, a thesis to prepare (which is an entire plan for a new full-length feature film), plus his normal classes, and he's a T.A. for three courses this quarter. He's swamped.
My heart goes out to him as he's being molded, stretched, tried and pushed through all this. But the same heart also skips a beat in excitement thinking about the man he'll be on the other side, namely, June.
Many may look at the long hours and days on end we spend apart and the few moments we have together as a difficult strain. Oh sure, I'd rather be chillin' at a restaurant or cuddling in front of the TV together, but I see this as a very small sacrifice in helping the man become what he needs to be.
So the wife of the producer works a full day, spends the evening alone, endeavors to keep things clean, attempts to keep quick-fix-healthy food in the house, helps the man with various design projects (which now includes his thesis), endeavors to be there for a listening ear whenever he needs it, and tries to be as little of a nuisance and as much of a pleasant, non-needy person to be around. It's amazing how far a little support like goes.
And we're only beginning. But I think it's a good place to start.
A few months ago the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation approached UCLA's film department and asked for submissions (short films) for a campaign the foundation is implementing to enact policy change regarding non-traditional students in higher education. Submissions were required to be from a team of 3 grad students -- producer/director/writer, and they could submit as many well-prepared ideas as they wanted. Out of more than 70 submissions, the hubby's team was one of 5 or so who were accepted as possible projects early this month to be fully funded by the foundation. However,that didn't mean it was a done deal.
They've gone through several revisions, adjustments, etc. with their concept. I have forgotten how many all-nighters or almost-all-nighters the hubs has pulled to make deadlines. As this project has unfolded, most evenings have gone like this:
I pick him up from class Monday-Thursday at 10:00 p.m. We have a brief conversation on the drive home. He grabs a bite to eat and works on his laptop while I get ready for bed. I interrupt him for a few minutes to pray and read scriptures with me. Then I fall asleep listening to his voice chattering away with his director on Skype in the next room. This goes on for hours. Poor guy... I know he wants to sleep.
On Wednesday, the foundation gave his project the "green light." This is cause for great rejoicing for a number of reasons. First, this qualifies for one of his requirements for graduation -- producing and delivering a short film. But this opportunity means that it's not being funded by the Crowes, but by the Gates' Foundation accounts! This will also be a wonderful opportunity for the hubby to travel, meet some cool people and have more hands-on producing experience.
But with this "green light," I also saw a heavy burden rest on his shoulders. I got a taste of the producer's weight of responsibility and a morsel of what's to come in his professional career. The final outcome and the success of this project rests on his shoulders. However, this project isn't the only other thing he's juggling! He has 1 1/2 quarters left till he graduates, a thesis to prepare (which is an entire plan for a new full-length feature film), plus his normal classes, and he's a T.A. for three courses this quarter. He's swamped.
My heart goes out to him as he's being molded, stretched, tried and pushed through all this. But the same heart also skips a beat in excitement thinking about the man he'll be on the other side, namely, June.
Many may look at the long hours and days on end we spend apart and the few moments we have together as a difficult strain. Oh sure, I'd rather be chillin' at a restaurant or cuddling in front of the TV together, but I see this as a very small sacrifice in helping the man become what he needs to be.
So the wife of the producer works a full day, spends the evening alone, endeavors to keep things clean, attempts to keep quick-fix-healthy food in the house, helps the man with various design projects (which now includes his thesis), endeavors to be there for a listening ear whenever he needs it, and tries to be as little of a nuisance and as much of a pleasant, non-needy person to be around. It's amazing how far a little support like goes.
And we're only beginning. But I think it's a good place to start.
1/20/10
Converstations on Culture and Morality
It was just a month after our move to California that our bishop invited us to participate in the calling sessions to get people aware of Proposition 8. It was a simple grass roots effort where we met at a member's house and called people in our district (the West Los Angeles / Venice areas) to let them know about the Proposition and to vote for it.
I hadn't previously heard anything about it, but sensing the importance I willingly participated 2 or 3 times. I got sworn at, hung up on, talked to dozens of people who didn't speak English, and also had some stimulating conversations that I've thought about several times since then.
One was a man who proceeded posing a series of questions to me after my introduction. He asked, "Now am I supposed to vote for it or against it?" Then he asked, "Are you going Obama or McCain?" He also asked, "How do they feel about this marriage thing?" I didn't know then, but I later learned that both of them were once for traditional marriage.
Since then, I need not say how much muck and publicity this topic has gotten. However, it's still not dead. The topic is still very fresh on people's minds and people are very passionate one way or the other. This is the reason for this post today.
Today at lunch I had a conversation with some co-workers that turned to that homosexuality topic... again. It started out by talking about different cultures and nationalities marrying.
Apparently there are still cultures, religions and people who disown (and even murder) their children if they marry outside of their community, their religion, or their parental approval. Examples of Irish Catholic families, Muslim families and Italians were given. This isn't surprising, right?
But the tone of the conversation is one that I wanted to note. Everyone was talking about this were aghast. "Can you believe that there are some people who are so behind the times?" and "You know, people who are so stuck in whatever's said in the book (referring to the Qur'an) that the progression of society has completely passed them by..."
I'd like to note that I do not necessarily agree with parents disowning their children because they choose a different path. I know of people who have left their long family line of steeped religion to pursue the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and whose parents disowned them. I've also known the reverse! So I'm not giving a blanket statement here pro or con with that.
What I would like to mention is the judgement from this group of people that those people's actions of "disowning" and "not keeping up with the times." Because in the very next breath it turned to the homosexuality issue.
One woman said, and many others agreed, how stupid it was that a friend pulled her children out of the Torrance public school system because homosexual marriage and homosexuality is openly taught as normal and acceptable. "My friend and her Church teaches her kids that homosexuals are evil people and that it's a choice to live that way," she said with disdain. "It doesn't say anywhere in the Bible that homosexuals are evil people and it's a choice! I have gay friends and there's no way a person would choose a lifestyle to be ridiculed and excluded from normal society."
I wanted to scream, but calmly said, "Can't there be some people who don't agree with the act and lifestyle of homosexuality but still love the person?" She responded, "Sure, but that's not what they teach."
What I realized today is: our culture says that it's not okay for anyone to say something is "immoral." It's somehow wrong to say that something is wrong. From this conversation, which is, I'm sure, one of many similar conversations across the westernized world, it's okay to judge people who judge the way they don't want to them to judge. Or in other words, judging is okay, but only if I do it and only if it agrees with the way I do it.
Yes, there are passages in the Bible that talk about "unnatural affections" and immorality being the cause of the downfall of many societies. I believe the prophets of the ages and today who say that immorality will be the cause of the downfall of our society. I support the role of a husband and wife, a man and a woman, as parents rearing their children the best way they know how.
People who believe this way aren't "behind the times." In fact, many of us have read and studied the times and cycles of humanity from many parts of this world from many generations. That doesn't mean I love people any less who choose immoral behavior, whether it be infidelity, fornication, smoking, drinking, etc. etc. etc.
The truth is, some behavior is immoral. Regardless of how we sugarcoat it, twist it, judge it, or otherwise accept it, some behavior is not right -- whether it's 2,000 years ago, 200 years ago, today or 2,000 years from now. And you know, this whole call to stand up for our beliefs in our government wasn't new when we were asked to make calls about Proposition 8 in 2008? You know it was given with Captain Moroni? And even more recently -- 15 years ago?
I hadn't previously heard anything about it, but sensing the importance I willingly participated 2 or 3 times. I got sworn at, hung up on, talked to dozens of people who didn't speak English, and also had some stimulating conversations that I've thought about several times since then.
One was a man who proceeded posing a series of questions to me after my introduction. He asked, "Now am I supposed to vote for it or against it?" Then he asked, "Are you going Obama or McCain?" He also asked, "How do they feel about this marriage thing?" I didn't know then, but I later learned that both of them were once for traditional marriage.
Since then, I need not say how much muck and publicity this topic has gotten. However, it's still not dead. The topic is still very fresh on people's minds and people are very passionate one way or the other. This is the reason for this post today.
Today at lunch I had a conversation with some co-workers that turned to that homosexuality topic... again. It started out by talking about different cultures and nationalities marrying.
Apparently there are still cultures, religions and people who disown (and even murder) their children if they marry outside of their community, their religion, or their parental approval. Examples of Irish Catholic families, Muslim families and Italians were given. This isn't surprising, right?
But the tone of the conversation is one that I wanted to note. Everyone was talking about this were aghast. "Can you believe that there are some people who are so behind the times?" and "You know, people who are so stuck in whatever's said in the book (referring to the Qur'an) that the progression of society has completely passed them by..."
I'd like to note that I do not necessarily agree with parents disowning their children because they choose a different path. I know of people who have left their long family line of steeped religion to pursue the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and whose parents disowned them. I've also known the reverse! So I'm not giving a blanket statement here pro or con with that.
What I would like to mention is the judgement from this group of people that those people's actions of "disowning" and "not keeping up with the times." Because in the very next breath it turned to the homosexuality issue.
One woman said, and many others agreed, how stupid it was that a friend pulled her children out of the Torrance public school system because homosexual marriage and homosexuality is openly taught as normal and acceptable. "My friend and her Church teaches her kids that homosexuals are evil people and that it's a choice to live that way," she said with disdain. "It doesn't say anywhere in the Bible that homosexuals are evil people and it's a choice! I have gay friends and there's no way a person would choose a lifestyle to be ridiculed and excluded from normal society."
I wanted to scream, but calmly said, "Can't there be some people who don't agree with the act and lifestyle of homosexuality but still love the person?" She responded, "Sure, but that's not what they teach."
What I realized today is: our culture says that it's not okay for anyone to say something is "immoral." It's somehow wrong to say that something is wrong. From this conversation, which is, I'm sure, one of many similar conversations across the westernized world, it's okay to judge people who judge the way they don't want to them to judge. Or in other words, judging is okay, but only if I do it and only if it agrees with the way I do it.
Yes, there are passages in the Bible that talk about "unnatural affections" and immorality being the cause of the downfall of many societies. I believe the prophets of the ages and today who say that immorality will be the cause of the downfall of our society. I support the role of a husband and wife, a man and a woman, as parents rearing their children the best way they know how.
People who believe this way aren't "behind the times." In fact, many of us have read and studied the times and cycles of humanity from many parts of this world from many generations. That doesn't mean I love people any less who choose immoral behavior, whether it be infidelity, fornication, smoking, drinking, etc. etc. etc.
The truth is, some behavior is immoral. Regardless of how we sugarcoat it, twist it, judge it, or otherwise accept it, some behavior is not right -- whether it's 2,000 years ago, 200 years ago, today or 2,000 years from now. And you know, this whole call to stand up for our beliefs in our government wasn't new when we were asked to make calls about Proposition 8 in 2008? You know it was given with Captain Moroni? And even more recently -- 15 years ago?
"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity...will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
"We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
12/14/09
Work Meeting at the "Jonathan Club"
Los Angeles has an interesting history. A piece of this history is that I briefly experienced recently was a place called the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles.
I had never heard of it prior to my visit for a work meeting (where we met our new CEO), but I was impressed with the concierge service from the get go. Valet parking all too common here, but rarely do you drop your car off in so much style. (Side note: I hate valeting my dented, old, dusty, common Accord. I feel like you at least need a 3-Series to qualify for valet.)
The building is beautiful, decorated in the classic lavish styles, but the fine attention to detail in the holiday decor was what impressed me the most. There were large, impeccably decorated fresh pine trees and pine wreaths in every large room (the smell was incredible), and a fascinating miniature village that spanned several yards on the 2nd floor. Some photos...
The huge miniature village.
I learned that this club was founded in 1895 and when it originated, only white Anglo Saxon Protestant men were allowed to join. While those days are longs since past, it still is an exclusive club, where you can only join if you're invited by a current member, and there's a strict dress code (i.e. men must wear collared shirts tucked in, dress shoes and a minimum of a sport coat).
I had never heard of it prior to my visit for a work meeting (where we met our new CEO), but I was impressed with the concierge service from the get go. Valet parking all too common here, but rarely do you drop your car off in so much style. (Side note: I hate valeting my dented, old, dusty, common Accord. I feel like you at least need a 3-Series to qualify for valet.)
The building is beautiful, decorated in the classic lavish styles, but the fine attention to detail in the holiday decor was what impressed me the most. There were large, impeccably decorated fresh pine trees and pine wreaths in every large room (the smell was incredible), and a fascinating miniature village that spanned several yards on the 2nd floor. Some photos...
The main staircase
One of the main meeting rooms
I got a kick out of the marble-walled restroom. They didn't have paper towels. No way. There were embroidered individual hand towels, and a posh laundry basket in which you to toss your soiled towel.
This "gentlemen's club" environment is so foreign to the way I grew up, so this taste of an upper-class lifestyle was worth a few remarks in my book.
11/5/09
Experience With The Time Traveler's Wife
Even though the film The Time Traveler's Wife film came out in August, Steve and I didn't go see it. We actually haven't seen many films in the theaters at all for several months since it costs $25-$35 per flick and we're working on saving money. Although the movie looked very interesting to me, I'm glad I didn't see it then because I wouldn't have had the unique experience this week.
This quarter the husband is taking a course taught by a creative executive (a.k.a executive producer) at New Line Cinema. She used The Time Traveler's Wife as a case study for the 12 students in the class and assigned them to read the book, then the several versions of scripts for the film, then the director's cut for the first test screening, and then see the final theatrical release. The husband invited me to read and discuss the steps along with him, but I wasn't as interested until he said I could come to see the movie with the class in a screening room at New Line Cinema.
When I finally had a minute to pick up the book last Friday, I did not think I would be able to finish it before the screening, but I started anyway. I knew I was in trouble when I read the book for 4 hours on Saturday and thought about the characters, and the story the entire time I ran errands and cleaned. I was hooked.
The rush of pleasure was like eating a whole bag of chocolate Twix bars when I sat down with a blanket in my pajamas on a Sunday afternoon, knowing that it was actually okay since I had no pressing work or anywhere to go for the rest of the day. The husband came over to kiss me, give me a drink of water and hug me a few times, but before I knew it, it was 10:30 p.m. I wave of guilt washed over me, thinking I missed an opportunity to call my mom and tell her about a successful Halloween night, or to call and hear any adventures from my sisters or nieces.
I took the book to work, but left it in the car to as to not be tempted before lunch. I read it the entire hour and begrudgingly left it in the car as I went back up to my office. Monday night, the only two television shows I watch were moved because of some silly baseball game, so I had an evening to... uh... clean? I think not. I returned to the same spot on the couch to read about Clare and handsome Henry, who was pained and frustrated with the lack of control over his unique "ailment" of time travel.
I even dreamed about it that night. I tried to fix their problems in my mind and I replayed their conversations over and over. The crazy thing is that I wasn't even particularly impressed with the book! Several things about the way it was written bothered me. But the story was captivating, and it was the first time I could ever wrap my brain around time travel somewhat realistically.
I surprised myself when I finished the book Monday night. The screening wasn't until last night (Wednesday), so what was I going to do for an entire day? I read the scripts. I picked up the earliest script and read it at lunch. Interestingly, I learned that the producers had 6-7 drafts and went through several script writers before coming to the final version, and even then, they re-shot and re-filmed a few scenes after the test screenings!
I was pleased with the script. It took the edginess that bothered me somewhat in the book, and removed the over-abundance of sexuality and nearly all of the vulgarity. I hurried home after work, met the husband, traveled over to Beverly Hills and parked in the underground parking of a large, office building that rests atop a long string of expensive clothing (all of which I'm confident I'd look terrible in), furniture (who knew Armani sold furniture?), and makeup boutiques. (It's right across the street from the Beverly Hills MAC (makeup) store. Oh... how I wanted to go over there!)
The screening room was your normal small theater with a large projector screen and about 25-30 larger-sized theater seats. The teacher is a petite, down-to-earth woman with shoulder-length, half-curly blonde hair and she wore a black trendy blazer with sleek denim slacks. She gathered everyone's assignments and without further ado, started the film.
All in all, the film lacked something for me. First of all, I have no problem with films being different than books. They have to be. A book is a cerebral experience; a movie is a visual and auditory experience. If a film was done exactly like a book, it'd be sooooo booooring. In fact, I believe that a movie should be different and be able to stand on its own and be engaging in its own right. However, the only time it actually engaged me emotionally (which the book did so exceptionally) was a scene that was written and filmed after two test-screenings, was not in the book, and was different than the screenplay I read at lunch!
I was a little jarred when no one moved a muscle when the credits began to roll. I watched the names carefully, and everyone applauded when their class instructor's name appeared under "Executive Producer." After the lights came on everyone discussed the changes, the additions, and the process in whole. I learned it took about 5-6 years from the time New Line acquired the book option to the actual release, the budget was $39 million, and actual profit (above and beyond expenses) is up to $31 million--well over projection. Although the film never was #1 in the box office, nor did it get rave reviews, it still made money. Good for them.
Overall, the film did tell the story well. It's a difficult story to tell since it asks a lot of its viewers to suspend disbelief -- time travel, multiplicity, a relationship that existed even before they met officially, etc. If you're curious about this process, rent the DVD when it comes out. You'll be able to see the original ending, and several completely different cut scenes.
I don't know if I would have liked the movie any more if I hadn't have read the book... or the script. I had different expectations than what was presented, and it was difficult for me to accept them. When I was watching it, I saw actors presenting scenes; I was not washed over with an overwhelming love story as the book and the script presented. Perhaps it was a disconnect in the directing, perhaps it was the fact that I did have preconceived ideas. That being said, I'll never know how it could be any different... since I can't go back in time and change anything.
This quarter the husband is taking a course taught by a creative executive (a.k.a executive producer) at New Line Cinema. She used The Time Traveler's Wife as a case study for the 12 students in the class and assigned them to read the book, then the several versions of scripts for the film, then the director's cut for the first test screening, and then see the final theatrical release. The husband invited me to read and discuss the steps along with him, but I wasn't as interested until he said I could come to see the movie with the class in a screening room at New Line Cinema.
When I finally had a minute to pick up the book last Friday, I did not think I would be able to finish it before the screening, but I started anyway. I knew I was in trouble when I read the book for 4 hours on Saturday and thought about the characters, and the story the entire time I ran errands and cleaned. I was hooked.The rush of pleasure was like eating a whole bag of chocolate Twix bars when I sat down with a blanket in my pajamas on a Sunday afternoon, knowing that it was actually okay since I had no pressing work or anywhere to go for the rest of the day. The husband came over to kiss me, give me a drink of water and hug me a few times, but before I knew it, it was 10:30 p.m. I wave of guilt washed over me, thinking I missed an opportunity to call my mom and tell her about a successful Halloween night, or to call and hear any adventures from my sisters or nieces.
I took the book to work, but left it in the car to as to not be tempted before lunch. I read it the entire hour and begrudgingly left it in the car as I went back up to my office. Monday night, the only two television shows I watch were moved because of some silly baseball game, so I had an evening to... uh... clean? I think not. I returned to the same spot on the couch to read about Clare and handsome Henry, who was pained and frustrated with the lack of control over his unique "ailment" of time travel.
I even dreamed about it that night. I tried to fix their problems in my mind and I replayed their conversations over and over. The crazy thing is that I wasn't even particularly impressed with the book! Several things about the way it was written bothered me. But the story was captivating, and it was the first time I could ever wrap my brain around time travel somewhat realistically.
I surprised myself when I finished the book Monday night. The screening wasn't until last night (Wednesday), so what was I going to do for an entire day? I read the scripts. I picked up the earliest script and read it at lunch. Interestingly, I learned that the producers had 6-7 drafts and went through several script writers before coming to the final version, and even then, they re-shot and re-filmed a few scenes after the test screenings!
I was pleased with the script. It took the edginess that bothered me somewhat in the book, and removed the over-abundance of sexuality and nearly all of the vulgarity. I hurried home after work, met the husband, traveled over to Beverly Hills and parked in the underground parking of a large, office building that rests atop a long string of expensive clothing (all of which I'm confident I'd look terrible in), furniture (who knew Armani sold furniture?), and makeup boutiques. (It's right across the street from the Beverly Hills MAC (makeup) store. Oh... how I wanted to go over there!)
All in all, the film lacked something for me. First of all, I have no problem with films being different than books. They have to be. A book is a cerebral experience; a movie is a visual and auditory experience. If a film was done exactly like a book, it'd be sooooo booooring. In fact, I believe that a movie should be different and be able to stand on its own and be engaging in its own right. However, the only time it actually engaged me emotionally (which the book did so exceptionally) was a scene that was written and filmed after two test-screenings, was not in the book, and was different than the screenplay I read at lunch!
I was a little jarred when no one moved a muscle when the credits began to roll. I watched the names carefully, and everyone applauded when their class instructor's name appeared under "Executive Producer." After the lights came on everyone discussed the changes, the additions, and the process in whole. I learned it took about 5-6 years from the time New Line acquired the book option to the actual release, the budget was $39 million, and actual profit (above and beyond expenses) is up to $31 million--well over projection. Although the film never was #1 in the box office, nor did it get rave reviews, it still made money. Good for them.
Overall, the film did tell the story well. It's a difficult story to tell since it asks a lot of its viewers to suspend disbelief -- time travel, multiplicity, a relationship that existed even before they met officially, etc. If you're curious about this process, rent the DVD when it comes out. You'll be able to see the original ending, and several completely different cut scenes.
I don't know if I would have liked the movie any more if I hadn't have read the book... or the script. I had different expectations than what was presented, and it was difficult for me to accept them. When I was watching it, I saw actors presenting scenes; I was not washed over with an overwhelming love story as the book and the script presented. Perhaps it was a disconnect in the directing, perhaps it was the fact that I did have preconceived ideas. That being said, I'll never know how it could be any different... since I can't go back in time and change anything.
10/14/09
Autumn Does Exist!
For two weeks now, the temperatures have dropped and even a few trees have begun to change color. It wasn't like this last year. In 2008 it seemed like it was warm for months and then around Christmas it just started raining.
But with every passing day, I am filled with an undefinable excitement. Something with the weather... something with meeting new friends... or perhaps something good is just around the corner. I'm excited to discover what that is!
It's rained for two days now - the first time in 7-8 months. I love it.
But with every passing day, I am filled with an undefinable excitement. Something with the weather... something with meeting new friends... or perhaps something good is just around the corner. I'm excited to discover what that is!
It's rained for two days now - the first time in 7-8 months. I love it.
9/8/09
Autumn in LA? Doesn't exist. | Memories of School Beginnings
It really is strange... I feel like it's autumn inside; I'm cozy and comfortable and feeling "ready for something," like I'm about to start a new school year, or home from a weekend at college and my mom has fresh bread and homemade soup on the stove.
But it's not any different outside. Still that southern California sunshine, warmth brushed with a gentle, constant sea breeze. And I'm very much far away from that place I used to call "home."
Perhaps it's because I still have some internal clock that has kicked in. I mean, I did spend 18 years of my life starting a new school year at this time of year. And you know, I always --always-- was excited for a new school year to begin.
Perhaps the most significant years of excitement for a new school year were when I entered high school as a 10th grader (sophomore), my first year of college and my last semester of college. Those were great changes in my life and I prepared for them a great deal.
I began high school with an enthusiasm and confidence you couldn't buy. I will never forget singing at callbacks in the choir room. We were called up singly and in groups to sing "Matchmaker," but we also had copies of "Far From the Home I Love," the solo that Hodel sings (my favorite). When Mr. Jolley, the drama dept. director, said we were moving on, I was sitting on the front row and filled with nervous energy I said aloud, "Ohhh, we don't get to sing 'Far From The Home I Love'?" He smiled and uttered quietly, "Oh, you'll have plenty of opportunities to sing it, Anna."
At that point, I knew I was in! I also was tickled that he also knew who I was even though I had barely been in classes a few days! Sure enough, I was cast in the role of Hodel that year, and continued to eat up my drama classes like they were manna to a starving soul.
It's too bad that I let some cheap criticism discourage me and snuff out that flame of confidence and excitement for performing. I drifted from theater for years after high school, only to find it an unquenchable hunger to which I continually return to feed.
("Far From the Home I Love" 1995)
A few weeks later after school started, I heard about Ballroom Dance Company auditions and decided to attend. Hundreds of students packed into the multi-purpose room of the student center. I recall watching attractive girls with well-defined calf muscles and blonde-highlighted hair (pulled tight into low buns, of course) strapping on their well-worn bronzed Latin heels. I had black character shoes. After about 30 minutes into the routine instructions, I realized how unprepared I was for it all and how I was just making a fool out of myself. I decided to leave. I lingered for a few minutes watching the young men sweep those beautiful girls across the floor, and assured myself I was going to learn this stuff and audition the next year. Which I did.
And the next year I made it. The Ballroom Dance Company provided some of my dearest memories of college...
At auditions for the smaller student dance concert a few weeks into the fall semester, something felt terribly wrong. The piece I had choreographed fell flat, I was distracted through the whole day, and I performed terribly. Something was seriously off.
That summer I had been dating a young man, and at this point we were exclusive. He was 250 miles away, although very supportive of all my endeavors. I called him after those auditions, and he encouraged me to go to the temple that evening. Through that temple visit, a very powerful set of Church meetings the next day and a CES Fireside by (then) Elder Thomas S. Monson, I knew what I needed to do.
Similar to the counsel Elder Monson's priesthood leader gave him when he wasn't given a deserved promotion in the armed services but instead a calling as Stake President, the Spirit whispered to me, "You were never meant to dance like this. You are meant for different things..."
It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but I decided to end my studies at SUU that semester (already dozens of credits over graduation requirements), move to Salt Lake City and marry BMW Boy.
Ironic, isn't it.
No, this isn't a complaint, but merely nostalgia. And an expression of longing for something to begin again. It is "autumn" after all.
But it's not any different outside. Still that southern California sunshine, warmth brushed with a gentle, constant sea breeze. And I'm very much far away from that place I used to call "home."
Perhaps it's because I still have some internal clock that has kicked in. I mean, I did spend 18 years of my life starting a new school year at this time of year. And you know, I always --always-- was excited for a new school year to begin.
Perhaps the most significant years of excitement for a new school year were when I entered high school as a 10th grader (sophomore), my first year of college and my last semester of college. Those were great changes in my life and I prepared for them a great deal.
~~~PART I. HIGH SCHOOL~~~
I spent the summer before my sophomore year of high school reading -- a ton -- and listening to musicals, particularly Fiddler on the Roof. I would stick the warbled tape movie soundtrack in a little scratched-up boom box in my bathroom and sing along with "Miracle of Miracles" and "Sunrise, Sunset" when I was in the shower. Super geeky, I know... But for some reason, I was really drawn to that musical. Imagine my joy when I found out from my neighbor that the fall musical at the high school was going to be Fiddler on the Roof. I was already prepared!I began high school with an enthusiasm and confidence you couldn't buy. I will never forget singing at callbacks in the choir room. We were called up singly and in groups to sing "Matchmaker," but we also had copies of "Far From the Home I Love," the solo that Hodel sings (my favorite). When Mr. Jolley, the drama dept. director, said we were moving on, I was sitting on the front row and filled with nervous energy I said aloud, "Ohhh, we don't get to sing 'Far From The Home I Love'?" He smiled and uttered quietly, "Oh, you'll have plenty of opportunities to sing it, Anna."
At that point, I knew I was in! I also was tickled that he also knew who I was even though I had barely been in classes a few days! Sure enough, I was cast in the role of Hodel that year, and continued to eat up my drama classes like they were manna to a starving soul.
It's too bad that I let some cheap criticism discourage me and snuff out that flame of confidence and excitement for performing. I drifted from theater for years after high school, only to find it an unquenchable hunger to which I continually return to feed.
("Far From the Home I Love" 1995)~~~PART II. FRESHMAN IN COLLEGE~~~
Because I was hired on the school newspaper prior to beginning my first year of college at Southern Utah University, I was able to move into my dorm 2 weeks before anyone else showed up and go to newspaper workshops every day. I filled my quiet alone time with lots of pondering, lots of classical and Celtic music, and I often gazed out the window of my 3rd story bedroom mesmerized by the trembling leaves on the aspen tree outside. I felt peace, contentment and strength.A few weeks later after school started, I heard about Ballroom Dance Company auditions and decided to attend. Hundreds of students packed into the multi-purpose room of the student center. I recall watching attractive girls with well-defined calf muscles and blonde-highlighted hair (pulled tight into low buns, of course) strapping on their well-worn bronzed Latin heels. I had black character shoes. After about 30 minutes into the routine instructions, I realized how unprepared I was for it all and how I was just making a fool out of myself. I decided to leave. I lingered for a few minutes watching the young men sweep those beautiful girls across the floor, and assured myself I was going to learn this stuff and audition the next year. Which I did.
And the next year I made it. The Ballroom Dance Company provided some of my dearest memories of college...
~~~PART III. SUPER-SENIOR IN COLLEGE~~~
My last semester of college marked a considerable change in my life, from which I would never return. I had spent the summer in the same town attending summer school so moving into my last semester almost seemed anti-climatic... at first. I had spent semester after semester taking dance class after dance class since that first botched Ballroom Dance Company audition and found myself with a full schedule of the highest level of dance classes offered at Southern Utah University -- American Character Ballet, Modern 6, Tap 5, Jazz 5, etc. I had even been selected to perform in several pieces in the premier Dance Ensemble concert scheduled for the spring.At auditions for the smaller student dance concert a few weeks into the fall semester, something felt terribly wrong. The piece I had choreographed fell flat, I was distracted through the whole day, and I performed terribly. Something was seriously off.
That summer I had been dating a young man, and at this point we were exclusive. He was 250 miles away, although very supportive of all my endeavors. I called him after those auditions, and he encouraged me to go to the temple that evening. Through that temple visit, a very powerful set of Church meetings the next day and a CES Fireside by (then) Elder Thomas S. Monson, I knew what I needed to do.
Similar to the counsel Elder Monson's priesthood leader gave him when he wasn't given a deserved promotion in the armed services but instead a calling as Stake President, the Spirit whispered to me, "You were never meant to dance like this. You are meant for different things..."
It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but I decided to end my studies at SUU that semester (already dozens of credits over graduation requirements), move to Salt Lake City and marry BMW Boy.
(Taken on BMW Boy's Birthday, also the same night as my last college dance concert 12/5/03)
~~~PART IV. BEGINNING YEAR 2 IN L.A.~~~
And I haven't ever danced like that since then. I did not go on to teach or be a professional performer as some of my colleagues did. After spending 6-8 hours in technique classes and rehearsals every day for years, plus years of private voice lessons and more than a decade-worth of stage productions, I find myself squeezing out a little creativity at a computer every day for 8-10 hours, singing in the car on my commute and imagining I'm blowing the socks off a production panel at an audition, and bouncing on my living room couch as I devour another episode of So You Think You Can Dance. Ironic, isn't it.
No, this isn't a complaint, but merely nostalgia. And an expression of longing for something to begin again. It is "autumn" after all.
9/2/09
1 Year Anniversary
Today, September 2, 2009 marks one year since our arrival in Los Angeles, California. Has it gone fast? Has it gone slow? It feels like... well... a year.
It's been difficult and pleasant. I thought I'd mention a couple notable experiences that have marked our new life in Los Angeles:
It's been difficult and pleasant. I thought I'd mention a couple notable experiences that have marked our new life in Los Angeles:
I have my eyes set on a future existence full of flavor, excitement and adventure even though right now it’s quite vanilla and... well... normal.• Sept. 2, 2009 – Depart Utah. Stayed overnight in St. George after a tire blew out on I-15.
• Sept. 3, 2009 – Arrive in Los Angeles. The weather is beautiful. The traffic is thick (even in the middle of the day). And our patience is extremely thin to non-existent. We move in our stuff. A friendly neighbor offers us popsicles. The following week we spend unpacking with a couple trips to the beach. The Husband’s cousin stayed with us for a few days. He was super nice to help us out. Glad he was patient with us.
• Sept. 7 – Ant infestation and repacking our stuff into boxes for fumigation.
• Sept. 8 & 9 – Re-unpack our stuff.
• Sept. and Oct. – Looking for work and building my Web site (http://www.theluisadesign.com/) to feature my portfolio and resume. The Husband started school and made a few close friends in his program.
• Nov. 3 – Started work at C&A Advertising. It’s pleasant, but quiet.
• Nov. 7 – Brief trip to Utah for a date with my dad to the premiere of A Giant Among Men, a film about Gordon B. Hinckley.
• November – Auditioned and was cast in Scarlet Pimpernel, but turned it down when I realized that they have rehearsals and performances on Sundays. Discovered that’s standard here. Sadness.
• Dec. 5 – The Husband’s birthday. Took him to The Grove Mall and had a delightful time. It’s an incredible place there.
• December & January – Had a hard time feeling Christmas-y. Uneventful holidays, although it was pleasant being with my sister’s family. The Husband is called as 2nd Counselor in the bishopric.
• February – Loving 60-70 degrees every day. The Husband’s in the middle of the 2nd Quarter of school; doesn’t realize all the stuff he’s learning, but he’s constantly talking in “film speak.”
• February 14 – Laid off from C&A Advertising. Complete surprise. It was dreary and rainy that day, just like how I felt inside. Started rebuilding my website from scratch.
• March – Still loving 60-70 degrees every day. Still looking for full-time work, although I’ve picked up some freelance stuff. The Husband is frustrated with the weaknesses of the program. We knew that this wouldn’t be easy, but it’s been difficult in different ways than we thought. I’m reading lots of scripts with and for the Husband to find his thesis project, which can also be a piece to get his producing in the real world too.
• April – Still loving 60-70 degrees. Back full-time at C&A Advertising. It’s quiet and insecure. I feel like it’s not very permanent. Also had an opportunity to sing an Easter Cantata; deeply moved and met some very neat people. Assisted the Husband in casting for scenes for class projects. It was neat being on “the other side of the table.” My family came to stay with us for a few days. It was like heaven having them near me like that.
• May – It’s still 60-70 degrees, and it’s starting to feel chilly. Will summer come? How long will this job at C&A last?
• June – The Husband finished his first year of grad school. Secures (now owns) a script for his thesis project. Trip to Hawaii. I turned 30.
• July 14 – Laid off from C&A Advertising… again.
• July – Reading books and scripts. Looking for work. I’m good at it now. (Had 5 interviews in 3 days!) The Husband travels to Virginia and then New York City for more than a week to help his brother out. When he told me he was standing on 42nd and Broadway, I started to weep. He saw Mary Poppins and I was green with envy. Has lunch with Wendy Finerman (producer of Forest Gump, Devil Wears Prada, Stepmom, P.S. I Love You).
• July 31-Aug. 2 – We meet up in Chicago for his Dad’s Baptism.
• Aug. 3 – First day of work at Grubb & Ellis Company. Starting to feel a little warmer—like summer.
• Aug. 11-12 – The ants are back. Packing, fumigating and unpacking... again.
• Aug. 13-15 – The Husband’s deep sea fishing trip with my dad, brothers and brothers-in-law. Spent the weekend with my sister in Hemet.
• The rest of August – It got up to 85 in West LA. I like it a little warmer. I miss theater. I sing all the time, imagining I’m auditioning or on stage. It feels so far away. I wish I could go to the beach more often. It’s so close… but real life gets in the way.
6/1/09
How 'bout that "June Gloom?"
June is my birthday month. How could anyone associate anything "gloomy" with my birthday month? We've had about 2 straight weeks of fog and cloudy skies. There's about 2-3 hours in the late afternoon or evening that the sun's peeked out, but it's gray and misty the rest of the day.With how easily everyone was referring to "June Gloom," I was beginning to think that this is common for Southern California in June! However, I've learned that we're about 10 degrees below normal, and it's not been like this in past years. Phew! But forecasters say it's here for at least another week.
I'm ready for sunshine and lots of it! Please sunbeams... won't you come out and play? You had better be back when I get back from Hawaii!
Image found at: amyboonsiriseth.com/weblog/weblog_0406.html
5/27/09
The Nature of My Neighborhood
What's in bloom in my West Los Angeles neighborhood:
- Jacaranda trees... I fell in love with these in Australia, but there are hundreds around my neighborhood!)
- Star of Jasmine... When I go running, it's sweetly intoxicating getting a whiff of these bushes as I pass them. I can almost smell their perfume just looking at the photos!
- Gum trees & Bottle Bush... Natives of Australia, but they grow wonderfully here.
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