My old artwork…

While hunting for some old journal entries, I found a cache of artwork I’d done in 1987-1988 and found it fascinating, so I’m gonna share them here. I mean, I want to scan them anyway, so why not post ’em?

I never titled my work and rarely signed it–I was in 7th or 8th grade, for goodness sake!–so I guess I’ll have to make up titles as I go along. Let’s call this one ‘Stamp Art’. (I know, I know…sooooooo original…) Notice the line running down the left. This piece was done on binder paper. I guess I didn’t have any plain paper on hand that day or perhaps I was too lazy to find some… Or maybe the spirit moved me and I couldn’t take the time to bother with blank paper, I HAD to do the artwork at that very moment or it’d be lost forever.

Whatever. 🙂

Criminal Minds

Now that the WGA strike is over, I hope to be getting on more shows, but I really don’t have much control over it all.

I was a “Narcotics Support Group” member with my car (’06 Mustang, this time.) for two days on Criminal Minds.

The location was a church and there were very few signs as to whether I was in the right place or not. I was about an hour early, but usually there’s at least one sign as I near the location. This time, it wasn’t until I got to the set that I saw a sign. It was also a little difficult to get to from the directions I was given. But that’s one of the reasons I like to go early…just in case.

I parked on the set, got shuttled to base camp to go through wardrobe. Very cool wardrobe people on this gig.

Then we were taken back to holding in the basement of the church complex. It was a little creepy and weird, but not as bizarre as other places I’ve been in. Anyway, I read Shadows of Darkness by Brian McIntyre and John Zaffis. It’s true stories of demonic possessions and various other supernatural weirdness. I dig that kind of stuff. Plus, I met John Zaffis at a ghost hunt on the Queen Mary last month and really liked what he had to say.

So, I sat in holding until it was time for us to work…in a sort of mini-theater. There was a podium up front and a bunch of folding chairs set up. Since I was apparently a former drug addict, I sat in the audience. I know I got on camera, but I have no idea if I’ll make it into the finished product. I don’t want to give away any of the story, but from what I saw, the episode looks really, really good.

At one point while I was seated, two ADs were whispering and pointing while looking at me. I got a little nervous, but not too much. I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, so I just continued on with the scene and my participation in it. Finally, one of the ADs came over and said that I was being considered for a sort of upgrade tomorrow. Cool. I found out later that I was the same size and looked a lot like a day player who would be in the following day, so they wanted to use me as a stand-in. Great.

After a yummy lunch, my car worked while I sat enjoying the nice night. It was only a little cold–nothing my jacket couldn’t keep at bay. I finished the Zaffis book.

The next day, I came back for more fun and games. I parked my car, got some lunch and then was immediately pressed into action as a stand-in. Before lunch, I stood in for “Woman #1”, “Woman #2” and “Smoker” (who didn’t actually smoke, but whatever) which actually gave me the title of Utility Stand-in because I stood in for so many characters–2 of which were blonde. It’s always fun for me when I get thrust into positions I never thought I’d be in. I truly enjoy the adventure.

After lunch, all of the day players were done, so I was mostly there because they were using my car in the parking lot. I stood around a lot, sat around a little and then it was time for the car stunt.

It was pretty simple really. The driver rammed a car into a cargo container. It was enough to have the kind of safety meeting I wrote in Driven to Distraction (by Ashleigh Raine) and I haven’t been on a set in awhile where we were doing anything that involved a real safety meeting, so that was fun for me. I like to watch the coordination process between what the driver does, the Special Effects guys as well as the Medics and Stunt Coordinator.

And actually, I almost forgot something… After going through the lunch line, most of the chairs were taken in the catering tent, but there was one on the corner of a group of four or five guys. I read “SFX” on one walkie-talkie and figured that’d be a fun group of guys to sit with even if I didn’t say anything and just listened.

I was so right.

I won’t repeat the stories I heard, but let’s just say it was well worth the price of admission. At the end, the guys laughed and said I probably didn’t know what I was getting into when I sat down. I replied, “No. I did. That’s why I sat here.” but I don’t know if they quite believed me.

That’s okay, though. I had a great time on this show. The crew was one of the nicest, most awesomest I’ve worked with in a long time. All the extras were treated with respect and everyone had fun–including the director!

Engine Swap

So this weekend was rather surprising. I’m writing this while experiencing an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment…

My husband and I successfully unhooked the old engine in my ’68 Convertible Mustang yesterday. Today, we pulled that engine out and put in a different one.

I am utterly amazed that we did it. Every other time I’ve tried to do this much work in a weekend, something inevitably either breaks or turns up missing and I have to stop everything and abandon the project for another day or week…or month.

But not this weekend. All went well. Very, very well.

‘Course we didn’t try to get it ready to start… Perhaps that’s when the real shenanigans will take over.

Ghost Hunting

I know I haven’t directly mentioned it on my blog–and I’m actually kinda surprised by that–but I’ve always believed in ghosts. Ever since I was a little girl. My earliest ghost-related memory is when I was about 6 years old, maybe, but that was just the biggest memory. The earlier ones are smaller, somewhat less significant as far as actual concrete instances. Their only significance is that they happened and a conclusion can be drawn from them collectively.

Anyhow, I have always been interested in paranormal activity and always believed that I’m psychic (might wanna get out the jacket and prep the padded room for me). So, when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to a ghost hunt on the Queen Mary, I did not hesitate.

But wait. Before I get to that, let me give a little general back story. I’ll add more later in the form of experiences.

When I was little, I used my psychic ability to have ‘friends’ if you will. They were not imaginary. They came and went. My grandfather died shortly before my fifth birthday. He was the most awesomest grandpa on the planet if I do say so myself. Yes, I still remember him even though I was so young. That’s how awesome he was. He cared about everyone and had tons of energy. Anyway, after he passed away, it seemed as though he never really left me. No matter where I was, I could call him and he’d be there if I needed him–even if I didn’t, sometimes he showed up, too! As I got older, he faded somewhat, but he still stops by from time to time. He came from a very big family, so he’s got a lot of people to look in on.

As I got older, I started to sense more clearly. Yeah, grandpa was around, but so were a lot of other people I didn’t know. Some wanted to talk, some didn’t. Some were confused, some weren’t.

Then, I started working in theatres.

Every theatre has a ghost. I swear it. Usually more than one, but there’s always at least one that’s active. As you can imagine, for someone as sensitive as I am, spending a lot of long hours in the dark can get pretty creepy. There were times I was working late at night, behind locked doors, heard things, saw things, etc. I started to explore some of it as well as researching. If you read my novel, Otherness: Rift, I incorporated a lot of personal paranormal experiences to suit the story. But, after all the time spent in theatres, I started to become too sensitive. Too many ghosts were trying to communicate with me.

I had to find a way of turning it off.

It can’t be. I’ve tried. All I can do is ignore it. But I can always tell when I walk into a haunted building or room or if a ghost arrives in the room where I am. It’s just another weird thing about me. I don’t talk about it much. I’m weird enough already! I don’t need to start yammering about my ghost experiences, too.

Okay, well, maybe that’s true, but not entirely. This whole post has come about because of the ghost hunt I mentioned in the first few paragraphs. And because of the ghost hunt, I’m back to my old ways, back to allowing myself to use a higher sensitivity and all the craziness that comes with it. Yes, my time on the Queen Mary, listening to lectures and sitting in the dark with people with K-II meters and voice recorders has inspired me to embrace my …uh… “gift” once again. I’m not crazy. I’m just psychic.

I didn’t get pictures of everyone involved. I didn’t know what to expect, so this time was sort of practice for future hunts. The event was put on by David Schrader and Tim Dennis of DarknessRadio.com. And I’ve been essentially living under a rock for the last decade or so because I have not watched television. I do not have cable. The only television I see is on DVD or if I’m at my writing partner’s (Jen) house and she just ‘has’ to show me something.

I have not seen Ghost Hunters, Dead Famous or Haunting Evidence. But these were the guys headlining the event on the Queen Mary. I knew who the people were (well, I’d heard of them at least), but I hadn’t watched their shows except for a couple episodes of Ghost Hunters because Jen has a thing for Grant Wilson and ghosts, too for that matter! I went into the event knowing there’d be lectures as well as a 4 hour ghost hunt.

I had the time of my life. In fact, it was sort of life changing…well, life restoring for me. I got to be in a room with a few hundred other people who believe in the paranormal and don’t think I’m crazy when I share my experiences. To me, that’s freakin’ awesome.

The folder of pictures I took during those few days is a bit daunting to look through. I didn’t get any photographic evidence of anything, but I did want to share a few here on my blog. So, without further yammering, here’s Denise and I with Grant and Jason.

This next one has a little story attached to it. Earlier in the day, David was about to announce the next speaker when he got a call on his cell phone. It was Patrick Burns, asking if anyone had a Nikon camera with them. Well, I did, so I raised my hand and he put me in touch with Patrick. Apparently, something bad had happened to his lens and he needed to take some IR photos for some lovely ladies who’d won an auction for a photo session with him and the ship. We determined that I had the same camera as he did, so I walked down there and handed over my lens. He brought it back about an hour later. The following picture was taken through that very same lens! He thanked me profusely as you can tell. He’s a really great guy. Really, really super awesome.

The whole experience is still sinking in. Honestly, though, even without a whole lot of physical activity, the responses on the K-II meter and what I learned in the lectures and people I met were awesome. I’ll definitely do another one of these. My new K-II meter is probably being shipped as I write this, too! I’m looking forward to reviewing all of the HD video footage I took, too. I didn’t know it until about 10 minutes before the hunt, but my camera has night vision! I was so stoked to see what I’d get. If I got anything good, I’ll post it, I promise.

I wish I could talk about it

I know it has been a long time since my last post. There’s a damn good reason for it–two, actually–but I can’t talk about it. And since I gotta keep my mouth shut, you know it’s gotta be some pretty cool shit.

Wait. I can talk in generics, though…

The thing that has sucked up most of my time is the fact that I’m adding something new to my resume: special effects costuming.

That reads like a really neat thing to do and I assure you, it is. It’s hard work and ventures into the great unknown for me, but I love it. I really do. I mean, it’s even for a major motion picture that’ll likely come out next summer, too. To get jobs like this, you gotta know someone. Well, my hubby has been friends with a particular sculptor/effects costumer since 5th grade. Welcome to Hollywood. Nepotism is fine as long as the person actually can do the job. Yay!

I haven’t work this hard since I built my Leeloo costume, but that was way more me. I had to do a lot of thinking on that costume. For this new venture, I just do what I’m told and when I don’t know what I’m doing, I just ask someone. I’m learning a lot…

I’m basically a costuming grunt. So far, I’ve traced and cut out patterns, hand sewn various items until my fingers turned crimson, discovered new glues and my personal favorite: sewn enough leather strapping for a BDSM convention. I have totally been sewing leather straps in my dreams for the last few days. If it wasn’t so much fun for me, I’d seriously be worried. On top of it all, the actor we’re doing this costume for is one of my all-time favorites. He’s really, really hot and I’ve already met him and I love him and he’s awesome and I still can’t believe that my introduction to effects costuming happens to be on a costume for him and it’s so freakin’ amazing and, and, and… Yay!

The other thing I’m up to hasn’t officially started yet, but the massive upsurge to get it rolling happened last week. It happens to do with writing, which is always a plus, but instead of novels, it’s for a movie. I really can’t say more than that without giving too much away, but it’s something I never would’ve dreamed I’d get to have a part in, let alone for this particular movie.

Things are looking way, way, way up for me right now. I get all giddy and giggle just thinking about it all.

Frasier Tale Update!

My acting skills absolutely take my own breath away… I’m speechless, utterly speechless. (And it’s a damn good thing because extras aren’t allowed to talk!)

This was one of my very first gigs. Ah Memory Lane. Click here to read more and see more screen captures of my time on Frasier.

I take it all with a grain of salt. I mean, I enjoy just being there. I still remember what it’s like to dream of being in a movie or television show. Now that I’m on the other side of that dream, I know the realities, I know there isn’t much glamour in it…but none of that stops me from dreaming and going out on gigs.

While it appears that I’m an actress, I’m really not. Real actresses go out, audition, hustle work, practice their craft. All I do is wait for a call from my service and then not act like an idiot when I’m on set–unless the part requires it!

Two more Tales!

I posted about my time on The Changeling. But I worked two more gigs, too. Sometimes I get a little behind posting here. But I’m now up to date on the recent ones. There are still a few from years ago that I have yet to write up, but I’m making good progress. I even found screen captures for a couple of them.

Back in December, I got to be a stand-in for Eliza Dushku (Yep! Faith from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer!) on The The Thacker Case and it was everything I could do not to turn into fangirl. She was really great, even thanked me. That was nice.

Earlier this month, I rather surprisingly got booked on October Road as a cancer patient. These being the days of the WGA strike, I really didn’t expect any shows to still be in production let alone me get called to work on it. The casting director called me personally. I was afraid at first because I was busy in the morning and couldn’t avoid it, but the call time wasn’t until late afternoon so all was well. I even snapped a pic of extras holding just ’cause.

I sure do hope the strike gets ironed out soon or I’ll never get to work again. Plus, SAG and the DGA might go on strike this year, too. I really hope we don’t have to. I’m just an extra and want to stay that way!

My time on The Changeling

I was in The Changeling starring Angelina Jolie, directed by Clint Eastwood back in October and December, but afraid to post about it as it was happening in case it jeopardized my chances of being called back. But now that principle photography has completely wrapped, I have written out my amazing experiences on the show.

It was an absolute dream come true.

The exterior shot in October.

December Day 1: Almost made it into frame.

December Day 2: Got a close-up!

December Day 3: Swallowed so many fake pills, I rattled!

December Day 4: A cockatoo named Larry

The movie is supposed to release in November, 2008. I’m definitely going to go see it as soon as it comes out. I have a really great chance at being in frame. I was even given a back story!!!!

Grandma’s Boy Tale Update

Special thanks to my friend Donna for seeing me while watching the movie or I might’ve never grabbed the DVD to get these screen captures from my time on Grandma’s Boy!

I did actually get a pretty good share of screen time and this gig is still one of the better ones. I mean, I haven’t gotten to experience another chocolate fountain since that night. I have, however, eaten sushi, was offered calamari and lobster and had chocolate dipped strawberries on several occasions, but no fountains. It’s been a few years. Perhaps I’m due for another chocolate fountain experience. I sure hope so!

I’ve got several updates to make. There’s a pretty big stack of DVDs on my desk right now. The hard part is finding time to hunt through them between all of the writing and various other activities in which I’ve been partaking. Watching all those shows is definitely a nice break from the variety of other things I do. Plus, it’s fun to see what the finished product turned into versus what it was while shooting the scene. Sometimes I’m in such a short snippet it’s hard to tell what the movie is about or even what the scene is about.

Back in Action

Well, I at least hope to be now that the hubbub of the holidays is over. I’ve got a stack of Tales to add as well as some odd things–such as the cause of the funky scent in my Prowler during one of my Tales…

First up, as half of the Ashleigh Raine writing team, I’m happy to announce that Lover’s Talisman has released from Samhain Publishing as of today. Check it out! Spiffed up and waaaaaaaay sexier, too!

Also, now that I did actually get a miraculous call-back on The Changeling, I’ve posted the Tale. This is a very large budget movie starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Clint Eastwood. It was hard not to be fangirl and even harder to believe that yes, I was on a movie set with Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood. OMG! I still get all giddy when I think about it!

2007 was a year for that. I mean, I got paid to drive and evaluate Ferraris, Maseratis and OMG, I just realised I didn’t actually post that entry! Doing it now! Click here!

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