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.