TIME MARCHES ON

As I approach another birthday I can't help but look at my life and its ups and downs. The challenges and opportunities. The failures and the achievements. I feel blessed to be here and sadness for a brother who died way too young. My daughter is grown and doing well. I live a comfortable life and am pursuing a dream deferred for too long. I see myself reaching another goal within the next year or two.  I long to travel and see the world and God willing, I will do that.

A lesson learned is that life is too short and moves at lightning speed, especially after 40. Say "I love you" to your friends and family. Express gratitude for your blessings and never take anything or anyone for granted. Persue your dreams with fervor and determination. Thank your mentors and cheerleaders but forgive those who didn't have your back or expressed jealousy or envy. Life is too short to hold on to bitterness or anger. 

Remember the lessons of karma - that what you put out there always comes back to you. Be happy for your friends' successes, express joy and thankfulness. Your life will be better because of this.

As Our World Changes

Recently it's been in the news about the latest Cheerios commercial that include a bi-racial child with her white mother and black father. The commerical is incredibly cute and clever. But there have been derogatory posts and some negative responses to the ad. This seems hard to believe. Racism is still alive in the United States. In 2013 some people still have trouble accepting interracial relationships and marriages. Isn't this like not accepting the digital age and the advancement of technology? I believe love is love regardless of the color of the individuals.

There have always been people who bucked the system and sometimes, their families, to marry someone outside their race. Why do some people refuse to accept this? Maybe the racism is  ingrained, maybe they're ignorant or maybe they cannot accept change.

America is changing folks. Minorities are no longer the minority. Many young people are marrying outside of their race. I have three black girlfriends whose daughters have married white men.

Isn't it time for people to get over this? Why hold on to hate? I just don't get it. It's time to embrace change rather than fight it.

Make Every Moment Count

Recently on a visit to Los Angeles it became so apparent how quickly time passes. Some of my friend's children are getting married. So, really they're not children anymore. They're young adults. I look at my own daughter who has matured into a person I'm so proud of. She's a confident, working professional who owns up to her mistakes and challenges. She has journeyed from the confused teenager who believed the world revolved around her and her desires. She is a gracious, giving adult who looks forward to the future and is taking charge of her life.

My point is that everything changes with time and we've got to accept these changes. The one thing we can count on in life is change, right? Don't hold on to a past that's evaporated. Deal with the now because that's all we really have. Live your fullest life and make every moment count.

Feeling Centered

I just finished Deepak Chopra's 21 day meditation and what a difference it has made in my outlook on life. I feel centered and in tune with my destiny. I know that I'm attracting abundance everyday and that I'm in tune with the universal truth. Abundance can mean good health, having friends, family and prosperity. The universal truth is that what we give to the universe comes back to us. If we practice love and giving then this comes back to us. If we practice negativity and mistrust that's what we attract.

What are you attracting in your life? Are you showing love and peace with an attitude of giving? Or, are you attracting something else in life? Are you living life with a sense of gratitude and appreciation? What we meditate on flows out in the universe and comes back to us.

Be loving and you will receive love. Be grateful and you will receive gratitude. Be generous and it will rebound to you. Got it? Good. Now go out there and do good.

Do The Impossible

I watched David Blaine, master magician and illusionist today on TV. He is exceptionally good. He lived in a bubble filled with water for several days then held his breath for over 7 minutes and slipped out of hand cuffs before they let him out. Didn't seem possible but it looked real. He walks around New York astounding pedestrians with his magic and slight of hand.

What's really possible in our lifetime? Did anyone really think we would be living with laptop computers and smart phones 25 years ago? Fifty years ago people were happy just to watch color TVs. We're living in the age of the Jetsons. We can actually phone people and see them on iphones and computers as we speak to them. So what else is possible? I've heard there will be trips to the moon and flying cars within 15 years. Wow! Really?

It's said that the spiritual masters can levitate. What acrobats and contortionists do with their bodies is amazing. And those olympians push their bodies to the limit. Are we entering a phase of existence when anything is possible, nothing is impossible? Makes me wonder. How many times have you been told that you couldn't do something and it made you want to do it just to prove that you could.

Don't let anyone tell you that something is not possible. I believe in the impossible, divine intervention and amazing grace. Spielberg, many writers and actors did not give up. They persevered to the end to make it. That's all it takes-perseverance, talent, drive and an unwavering will to succeed.

Decide to do the impossible!

FORGIVENESS

After watching Oprah's life class today about forgiveness it really made me think. Who do I need to forgive who I haven't forgiven yet? Is that anger or hostility keeping me from moving forward in my life? That former boss who wouldn't promote me, that boyfriend who cheated on me, the friend who betrayed a confidence, the relative who talked about me behind my back, are now forgiven.  I realize now that forgiveness is what I need to progress. It's for me, not them. They all could care less about it.

Why do we spend so much energy on BS? Why do we hold onto the bad experiences instead of focusing on the present and planning for the future?  It doesn't make sense, does it? Okay, so stop doing it!! Plan for a glorious, fabulous future. Set that vision in your mind and make it happen. It's a known fact that what we focus on, we take action to create.

Time is ticking and you're not getting any younger so forgive all your haters and embrace the benevolent people in your life now.   Move into your future and destiny asap!

What's Holding You Back?

Is there an inner voice holding you back from your dreams? Are you sabotaging your efforts by procrastinating or watching t.v.? Are you hanging out with friends when you should be working toward your dreams or goals? We all do it but as long as you admit that it's a problem, then you can correct it.

Everyone has dreams but accomplishing those dreams takes concrete action steps. In order to get that dream job, take that trip around the world or help the less fortunate, you must have a plan and a time table for making it all operational.

Achieving worthwhile goals takes determination, drive and focus. Look at our olympic athletes, how hard they work just to make the team. The sacrifices they make are incredible. So, what are you waiting for? Your future is before you.

Ready, set, go!!

Live Adventurously

Life is short. If  you get 50 years, it's a blessing. If  you make it to your 80's or 90's you've beat the odds. As I grow older I think more about the bucket list and what I want to accomplish before I die. I've never been an extremely adventurous person - never dreamed of skydiving or bungee jumping.
I'm beginning to have some regrets though. Why didn't I travel as a college student when I had the opportunity to do so for almost nothing? Why did I stay on jobs I hated for as long as I did? Why didn't I follow my passion sooner?

Fear of failure or the unknown?  Insecurity? Not willing to take a risk? Probably some combination of all this, I suppose.

But now that the years behind me are gaining on the number of years left in my life, I wonder about what's held me back. It wasn't a former husband or family member. It was me and my inability to trod down a risky path. Life is so fleeting and not guaranteed. No one knows the exact moment of their last day on earth. Why waste time doing something you don't enjoy or that bores you? Even if you fail there will be satisfaction in the effort or trying. There won't be regrets later in life.

Go for it! Live life! Try something you never tried before - a trip to a foreign place, a job that's different than anything else you've ever done. Even if it's just to try new cuisine or drive a different route, wallow in the experience. A wide grin may emerge on your face as you discover something new.

What Will Be, Will Be

Life is full of ups and downs and surprises. This was a trying week for me but as I eventually calmed down and realized I was doing all I could, I exhaled and released my anxiety into the universe. What will be will be. I think the saying is let go and let God. We cannot control everything that happens to us.

Friends will come and go but a few may be with you a lifetime. There will be times of wonderment as in the birth of a child or a stroke of good fortune at the gambling table. There will be disappointments and challenges. So we persevere, knowing that good times will roll again. A relationship may fizzle but maybe that's so a greater love can enter your life. A job may not work out but then you find a better one. You may wonder how you're going to make it financially through the week or month then a windfall or  job offer lands in your lap.

Follow your dreams, keep pushing and know that the journey is worth it. Believe in yourself and your goals will become easier to reach. Stay positive even in the midst of dire situations and see what the universe brings you.

ATLANTA, MY ADOPTED HOME

Spring is here and summer's just around the corner. On this beautiful Sunday I ventured out to Atlanta's Dogwood Festival along with hundreds of other people. I remember going years ago when there weren't as many people or traffic. Today after battling the cars and bumping into dozens of people I wonder if it was even worth it. This festival is free and that's why so many people show up with their lovers, spouses and kids. Where else can you go see Roberta Flack free in concert?

Growing up in Los Angeles I don't remember too many things being free. The only place you could go for free were the malls and beaches and you had plenty to choose from - Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu. I have to admit that I miss the ocean breezes and the calming effect of the waves. I miss the year-round warm weather but for every advantage there's a price to pay.  L.A. is a very expensive place to live and that's the main reason I moved to Atlanta. Plus, there's a black history here that's indisputable. My daughter was exposed to Battle of the Bands and the historical black colleges here that did not exist in Los Angeles.  I feel honored to walk on the same grounds as Dr. Martin Luther King and his father, to be able to visit the college (Morehouse) he graduated from. Though I get to L.A. several times during the year I am proud to call Atlanta my adopted home.

The More You Try the Easier It Becomes

I understand the saying, "opportunity is when luck meets experience". The more I write the easier it becomes. The more I network the more I get out of it. The more I help others the more help I receive. Getting the theme here?

Whatever it is you're trying to do - finish school, become an attorney or nurse or teacher or actor just keep getting better. Keep learning, growing and putting your stuff out there and you will move toward your goal and eventually, have some success. I believe this is the way the universe works. But we cannot be selfish about it. Don't get involved just to benefit yourself. Give whatever knowledge and information you can to help others. Share your skills with others and others will share their contacts and inside information with you.

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Remember this golden rule? It still applies. If more people would do this there would be less war and more peace on Earth.

LIFE IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL

Did you notice that the second month of 2012 is almost over? Time is flying folks. Are you on track for accomplishing what you want this year? Are you keeping track of your efforts, wins and losses? If not better get with it.

I saw Safe House and wow, what a movie. Denzel has got to be one of the best actors of our generation and is still bringing it. But great actors never lose their edge. Look at Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep. Talent like theirs never gets old.

I know what my goals are, am moving forward on my plan of action. Should be interesting to see how things play out this year for me. I'm still reeling from Whitney's death but life continues on for the rest of us. She will be missed and loved always, just like Amy Winehouse and Etta James and Michael Jackson.

Life is not guaranteed people. None of us know when the grim reaper will come knocking at our door so get out there, be bold, grab that dream and don't let go. It's on for real. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

RESOLUTIONS

I've made some resolutions for 2012.  One of the top ten resolutions that everyone makes is to lose weight and save money. Guess I'm no different because I've started off with a new exercise routine. ...zumba. It's great and what a work out! I'm dropping at least one size and am gonna get back in those skinny jeans this year. Oh, it's so on! Another resolution is to write something every day, not every other day, not twice a week but something every day even if it's just one scene or for fifteen minutes.

Hope you follow through with any resolutions you make. Otherwise, what's the point? I mean, who are you fooling? Life is short and each year it gets shorter so make the most of it. Set your goals, write them down and follow through. Sounds simpler than it is, I know but if you're serious you will be very proud of yourself at the end of the year when you assess what you accomplished.

I will be doing a lot of networking and making new friends and that I look forward to.  I resolve that 2012  will be a great year!

THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR

I'm ready for 2012. Can't wait because my gut says it's gonna be a great year! 2011 wasn't bad but not great for me. If  I can stay sane through the maddening holiday shopping of December I'll be fine. I go through this every year - shopping during the last month of the year and declaring each year that I won't let it happen again. And guess what? It's the same routine the next year.

Thinking about making resolutions for the new year. Yeah, think I will write some down because it's fun at the end of the year to see what I accomplished. 2012 is an election year.  That should be exciting. Can Obama overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way? Will the republicans get it together? When will our country recover from the near depression we're in?

This year I wanted to finish another screenplay (didn't do it) but did re-write one and started another one. I volunteered at and attended one film festival and joined two screenwriter groups. I entered several screenwriting contests and am waiting to see if anything comes of it. I made some new contacts and friends and finally met some of my mysterious neighbors. I was beginning to wonder if some of them were axe murderers or something. They are not, thank God!

So, bring on the new year! Soon we'll all be saying good night to to 2011 which is fine with me. Ring out the old and bring in the new. May 2012 be a banner year for all of us!

Love The Movies

I love the movies! Who doesn't want an escape once in a while, especially in these trying times? Last movie I saw was Dream House (didn't like it) and before that I saw In Time with Justin Timberlake (loved it). Also saw Horrible Bosses which was hysterical! The movies are so interesting now and it just goes to show how creative and different screenwriting has to be to get noticed. The story must be different or told in a unique way with an unusual twist.

We screenwriters have our work cut out for us. We must create fascinating characters, tell a unique story and provide a glorious journey and adventure for the viewer as they become immersed in the film. A writer must take every opportunity to be unique, quirky, funny and dramatic. Otherwise you're dead meat in the water. The great movies inspire me and the bad ones convince me that I can make it in this industry. I just have to work hard, keep networking and be patient.

Joel Osteen preached last week about not worrying about out defeats and challenges. Everything that happens is for our ultimate good and I've seen that in my life. There were jobs I didn't get and then found out that most of the employees were laid off later on.  People have taken advantage of me but taught me to be wiser and less gullible. I've had jobs I hated but being patient and learning at those positions allowed me to obtain experience and sharpen skills that led to better jobs.

So, when things don't turn out the way you had wished, don't fret. Just remember that you are to learn something or grow from the experience for bigger and better opportunities. Don't dwell on past disappointments but march forward to what lies ahead.

EMBRACE THE JOURNEY

We were all placed on this earth to do something. Whether it's teaching, medicine, acting, writing or helping others in some way, God wants us to make a difference in the lives of others. Some find their purpose early and others find out later in life. The point is to find your purpose, follow that path and be happy. We are tiny specks of sand in the universe and here for just a minute before our light is  extinquished so whatever it is you are to do, just do it! Embrace the journey, have a good time and vow to have few regrets.

I believe regrets are a waste of time. You can't change or undo what's happened so what is the point of regretting something? Everything happens for a reason whether it's to teach us a lesson, help us grow,  build character or humble us. Get the lesson and move on.  Again, embrace the journey.

Go see the movie "Contagion".  Believe me it will change your perspective about how fragile life is. Those victims caught a virus and died within five days. Doctors say this can and ultimately will happen one day. It's all very scary, folks. Enjoy a full life and embrace your journey.

Another Year Zips By

Had a birthday this week and it's a reminder of another year that zipped by.  Also means the holidays are just around the corner. Birthdays come and go and I start thinking about goals, dreams, the old bucket list, etc. Before too much more time passes by I want to travel to Italy, Spain, Africa, South America and parts of the Caribbean.  Traveled to Paris last year and it was glorious! The city of lights was all I had imagined and more!

Birthdays let us know that we are only here for a finite number of years before life as we know it is over.  I really don't believe it's really over, though, just think we take on another form after death. The spirit always lives on.

Birthdays remind us to get on with the process of living and not to sweat the small stuff. And it's all small stuff? As we age, family and friends become much more important. I'm learning to live simpler-gotten rid of a lot of stuff in my life that I don't need.  What's really relevant becomes so obvious.

2012 is right around the corner and my hope is that when it arrives I'll have a new set of goals and things to accomplish and can rejoice about what was accomplished in 2011. I hope you can do the same.

Our Precarious World

The events of this week were enough to make me pause and think. What in the world is going on? There was a 5.9 earthquake on the east coast of the U.S.  I'm from Los Angeles, home to many earthquakes. It's almost common place there. My high school was demolished as a result of one years ago. I refuse to say how long ago that was but it was a doozy.  This last quake was felt in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia , D.C, Tennessee and some parts of Atlanta? How bizarre is that?

Gadafi had a rude awakening as his people finally said they had enough of his fanatical control and reign.  Bye Bye, they said in no uncertain terms. See ya! 

Nick Ashford died of throat cancer and I anguished because I remember many of his songs sung with his wife Valerie.  He will be missed. Just reminds me that the great songsters of the 60's and 70's are slowly but surely disappearing. Motown will never ever be like it was back in the day.

Dr. Martin Luther King's Memorial is honored this weekend in D.C. My God! How things have changed in America but in other ways, is the same. And 911 is right around the corner and I hope America has learned something from that.....other than to be extra cautious when traveling.

My point is that we live in a very scary world today. The weather patterns are changing, the economy is in turmoil and retirement is uncertain for many people. Each day we hope we can just make it through without getting caught up in something really horrible.

What is the lesson from all of this? Follow your dreams, live life to the fullest because you never know when your last day on earth will be. Be safe and dream big!

Fantasy or Reality?

This week I got totally bummed out about being a screenwriter. Can I really do this? Is this just a pipe dream?  I participated in a teleseminar about the myths of screenwriting contests and although winning one can help you, it's definitely no guarantee of success. Most screenplay contest winners don't even get their films made. Getting an agent is not a guarantee either. It all comes down to constantly promoting yourself, good writing and networking. 

But, you know what? That is what life's all about. You're only as good as your last big sale or screenplay. When you're no longer producing in corporate America, they get rid of you. So, what else is new? Life is always about the next big sale or project or discovery. If  you don't stay on top of the competition you fall behind.

Even though this is an incredibly daunting venture, I'm up for the challenge. Bring it on! I'll face my enemies, stare them down and conquer because I can!  I'm ready for this battle and will win!

Back From Paradise

I understand why Hawaii is referred to as paradise. It was heavenly....beautiful weather and people. Had a great celebration with my dad, husband and two brothers. The weather was perfect and every evening there was a cool ocean breeze. Everyone's in a relaxed mode and even the birds are chillin'.  They will walk right up to you, aren't afraid of anyone.  City birds won't do this.

The week of celebration and fun made up for the 9 hour flight from Atlanta. One night we went up to Trump Tower, watched fireworks explode over an incredible Waikiki nighttime skyline.

Waikiki is the tourist trap, bustling with skinny bodies in bikinis, vendors hawking everything Hawaiian, designer shops and eateries. I only planned to buy a few things but ended up spending way too much money on stuff that I probably won't use in Atlanta.

I hated saying Aloha to Honolulu but know I'll return again.