Florida tales. Part One: Wakulla Springs

I've just returned from a week in Florida with my best friend and her absolutely adorable baby.  We spent the first weekend in Wakulla Springs, just south of Tallahassee in the part of Florida known as the panhandle.  This part of Florida is closer to Alabama than Miami, and has something of that "southern" feel.  Certainly the accents of the locals have that lilt, which an old ham like me can't help but mimic.  Talk about stepping back in time!  We stayed at the Lodge, a big old hotel with a rattling, inlaid wood elevator (complete with manual door closing), a spacious lobby/games room area with intricately patterned high ceilings and a view over the lagoon. 

This is where the old monster movie "Creature from the Black Lagoon" was filmed, as well some of the Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movies.  We went on a boat cruise along the lagoon, framed by tall cypress trees draped with a kind of greyish moss that gave them an eerie look, like old wizards beards.  It's easy to see why vampire and witch movies are set in these 'ere parts.

There is so much wildlife living on, in, and around the lagoon; many bird species, alligators, turtles and manatees.  We glimpsed a manatee (a large animal, kind of like a walrus with a dolphin tail) from the boat, but it really just looked like a large mass of sand moving under the water), but here's some pics of other creatures we got a better view of:

On the Sunday, there was a meeting of the local vintage car club.  Dad, this one's for you:

On the left, a 1934 Bentley; on the right, a 16 cylinder Cadillac

On the Monday, we drove to Orlando to spend a few days in Disneyworld, where Marit was attending a conference.  My official babysitting duties were about to begin!  Lucky for me, Tiago (all of 10 months old) is a delightful baby with a very easy going nature.  We became friends quickly (and I'm never shy of performing for a captive audience) and had a splendid few days in the mind-bogglingly large Disney.  That's another blog entry to come.  Right now, I'll leave you with one last cute pic, and then I gotta start packing!

Two weeks

February.  What a month.  I started work in a slightly different area at UCLA; still in the law school, but turning my attention from the Law Review to the 12 other journals produced by the law students.  Some of them are struggling a bit, and don't have the benefit of a dedicated staff member looking after them, so I was charged with finding out where they were at, and what help they might need to get/stay on track.  It was really interesting meeting with the Editors-in-Chief (EICs) of these journals and hearing about the particular challenges they were facing.  Most were very much behind publication schedule, scrambling to catch up, hoping to be able to pass on the reins to the next EIC with their journal in better shape.  Most only spend one or two years serving a journal as they move through law school.  It astounds me how much these young people achieve between their study load and commitment to the journals.  "Young people"--I sound like an old lady.  Anyway, through reaching out and asking questions, I was led to another part of the beautiful UCLA campus where I met with Stacey, who oversees graduate student publications.  Stacey and I had a grand old chat, and she told me about a couple of great publishing alternatives--both print and online--that could save the journals a lot of time, money and stress.  When the people responsible for running a publication keep changing every year, often with minimal overlap with the outgoing staff, and scrambling to catch up on a schedule already a year overdue, nobody has time to look around at alternatives.  They simply keep doing what has been done before, as best they can.  I was really pleased to discover some viable options to present to them, and Stacey proved to be a well-informed and very helpful resource.  I'm proud to feel I have made some small contribution by opening up the lines of communication between the law journals--which are in some ways quite isolated--and Stacey's team, and ultimately the possibility of bringing them into the 21st century of online and print on-demand publishing.

My satisfaction was unfortunately compromised by a month of ill health which eventually resulted in my being unable to complete my last two scheduled days of work.  So I didn't get to quite wrap everything up as well as I would have liked.  I contracted a horrid chest cold the first week of February which knocked me out for a weekend (missed the Superbowl!) and I lost a day of work.  Recovered fairly well, aside from a lingering cough, or so I thought.  Until just last week I got struck down again, this time even worse.  Four days of utter crapness, barely able to get out of bed, awful cough (productive, but body shattering every time) and heavy sinuses.  Violent sneezing too.  I can at least say I got a solid ab workout every time I coughed or sneezed.  Which was every few minutes.  Completely vile, I felt like a germ bomb that just kept exploding.  Finally, on the urging and advice of friends, I went to a local clinic and was seen by a doctor.  She listened to my lungs, and my sorry tale of mucus-laden woe, and declared I was neither suffering from bronchitis nor pneumonia, but that I had indeed a very bad cold.  Not much you can do with a virus but address the symptoms and rest.  Well, I've been doing that and, I added tearfully (completely at the end of my rope) I'm supposed to be on a plane to Florida this week, and another one to Australia next week.  She wrote me a prescription.  I think it's working.  At least I feel more human today than yesterday, although I still spent most of it in bed.  So bored!  But look at me, perky enough to blog about it.  The last time I was sick was 18 months ago just before I left Melbourne for LA.  True enough it's winter in LA (as it was in Melbourne a year and a half ago), and a lot of people have been battling persistent colds and coughs (the weather has been so changeable, too; 30 degrees Celsius one weekend, 12 the next), but I think my body doesn't take kindly to the anticipatory stress of international relocation.  It's gotta be a factor, right?  Anyway, it is exceedingly dull and annoying. 

I have, however, managed to sell my car.  Which brings me to a side-rant.  Why do people feel compelled to try to bargain one down from what is already a bargain price?  I suppose they expect sellers to inflate their asking price, I suppose that's usually the way it goes.  But it's irritating nonetheless.  It doesn't take much effort to research a fair price on a used vehicle, so why quibble when you see it?  Bleurgh!  I'm no fan of selling stuff.  But I got the price I wanted for the car.  Next item my glorious comfy bed.  I know I won't get the price I want for that.  People are squeamish about second-hand mattresses, which I suppose is fair enough.  But whoever buys it will get the bargain of a lifetime.  I mean, look at this thing.  Don't you want to just fling yourself on it?

I'm going to miss this bed.  It's going to be a while before I can afford another one just as good.  Sigh.  Small sacrifices.  Shopping list for Melbourne: 1. A job.  2.  A place to live.  3. A heavenly bed.  A car?  Maybe.  We'll see.  Easier to survive without one in Melbourne than LA.  And they are soooo much more expensive in Oz.  But in Oz a quick trip to the doctor doesn't cost $120.  Can't wait to be home.

... not much longer

That's right folks.  Over the past several weeks I've been doing some soul-searching, practical thinking and re-evaluation of my life.  In short, I've decided not to pursue a professional acting career anymore.  Hold on to your hats, folks, I'm not saying I'll never act again - of course I will, I love it and it's part of who I am.  But I want a better quality of life, and more financial stability.  I've had amazing experiences, I've grown as an artist and am very proud of my accomplishments as a writer and actor, but it hasn't advanced my professional career.  I've had nibbles here and there, but the tedium of auditioning for commercials, the business of acting, takes all the fun out of it. 

I've had moments in the past where I've considered chucking it in and getting a full-time job.  But when I've seriously thought about full-time work, and what that might be, I haven't been able to do it.  Something inside me would clench, like "I'm not ready."  This time I'm actually excited as I look through job listings, finding things I'm interested in, jobs I'm qualified for and which I would get satisfaction from doing well.  So I know it's the right decision for me this time.  And man, I miss Melbourne!  Being there for a couple of weeks last November was wonderful, and I think kickstarted my re-evaluation: just what life do I want to lead?  I'm tired of being a struggling actress.  I want some recognition, remuneration and tangible career progression for my efforts!

Do I feel some sadness relinquishing my dream?  Of course.  Is my life meaningless without it?  Of course not!  I will continue to write and act, to indulge my passion, but I'm not going through any more heartache and frustration and routinised humiliation.  My feet have always been on the ground but I've no longer got stars in my eyes; I'm looking clearly straight ahead.  I'll not turn myself inside out questioning why I didn't "make it;" am I not talented enough? am I not ruthlessly ambitious enough? was I not lucky enough?  Probably a bit of everything.  I feel that I do have some talent and that I did everything in my power.  It simply wasn't enough. And that's OK.  I love acting, but it's not all of me; there are other things, and people, that I love.  Most of them are in Melbourne. 

I will miss my LA friends, but I'll be back to visit.

Happy New Year

Christmas and New Year: it's a bittersweet time to be in LA, feeling so far from home.  I threw a little Christmas party last week, taking full advantage of an otherwise empty apartment to tidy the lounge room up a bit and give the kitchen a workout.  I had a glorious time trying out various recipes for the first time; largely successful (well, no outright failures) but a couple I know I'll do better next time.  Bridgette's ginger caramel slice was delicious but my tin was a bit too big so it was spread a little thin.  I think it will be thicker and more sumptuous next time made in a smaller tin.  I pulled a red velvet cupcake recipe off the internet (thanks to the Food network); it's for 24 cupcakes, more than I needed, so I halved it.  I was then so bold as to guestimate replacing vegetable oil with melted butter and blithely dispensed with the dash of vinegar altogether.  The cupcakes turned out just fine, but not as moist and well, velvety, as I had hoped; serves me right for not following the recipe to the letter at least once before fiddling with it.  That being said, they all got eaten (being smothered in cream cheese icing didn't hurt either).  From Donna Hay's delightfully titled No Time to Cook book, I made lamb, feta and mint meatballs in tomato sauce (delish); potato, parsnip and rosemary rosti (can't go wrong with crispy spuds); and chickpea, cumin and coriander patties served with tzatziki (yummy).  I also made a very rich chocolate cake (made with almond meal and sour cream) smothered in chocolate ganache.  Heavenly.  This recipe was torn out of a Sunday Age magazine when I was in Melbourne in November, and it's author (forgive me, I've forgotten his name and I'm tucked into bed at this moment with no intention of jumping up and digging out the recipe just to check) notes that the cake tastes even better the next day.  He's right. The party was very convivial and attended by an assortment of friends from different worlds; acting, non-acting, neighbours.

Christmas Eve I spent with Jamie and Amber who have become good friends over the past year, and are excellent, generous and jovial hosts.  Amber cooks up a storm and we trade foodie stories, tips and recipes with each other, and witticisms with Jamie.  On Christmas Day my new housemate, Hannah, arrived from Australia.  With a shortage of good housemate material in LA, Nicole and I resorted to an imported item.  Hannah is delightful; we had a pretty chilled out day as she braved jetlag to see the day through.  On Boxing Day (although it's not called that here) we hung out with Laura, another actor friend who is from the UK and had the glums.  It's easy to get the glums when you're far from home and the people you love at this time of year, I'm certainly no stranger to them (the glums, not the lovely people).  Anyway, we had a cheery time with wine, pizza, and Christmas party leftovers.

CC and Hannah, NYE

I've been off work this week so I've been writing, sleeping in, and getting to the gym.  I also baked some yummy banana and choc chip muffins, just for the hell of it, and have been able to help Hannah out a bit by driving her around to buy a bed and apply for her social security number.  Back to work next week, for which my bank balance will be grateful.

New Year's Eve rolled around and I spent the evening with Alex and James at two parties.  The first was a house party, an intimate affair with a few people, and several sets of novelty ears.

CC, Alex and novelty ears

We then drove downtown to a loft party hosted by a friend of a friend.  This was way cool; not your typical LA bleach blonde'n'botox crowd.  A live band played the kind of latin-fusion music to which you can't help but wiggle your hips and tap your toes, several couples were salsa dancing with style, and everyone seemed friendly and happy.  It was a predominantly latino crowd, and with my skyscraper Hollywood heels on, I had the unusual experience of being able to see over most people's heads.  Here we saw the clock tick midnight. 

CC, Alex & James at the loft party: low light, phone camera, but captures the mood

It's 1/1/11; a cold but sunny day in Los Angeles.  I'm up, breakfasted and caffeinated, but still in my PJs.  I don't know what you've got in store for me, 2011, but I look forward to finding out and I have some plans for you, too.

Bonhomie

Holiday season is upon us in all its festive glory. The streets are twinkling with fairy lights and adorned with baubles; billboards urge us to spend; and grocery stores seduce us with food and liquor sales. The faint waft of cinnamon is in the air. It struck me, all of a sudden, why people decorate with lights at this time of year; because it’s winter and it gets dark early. This is no doubt perfectly obvious to most people, but this little Aussie is used to Christmas at summertime, when the days are long and (usually) warm. Not that LA becomes a snowy wonderland. Last weekend it was even verging on hot.


UCLA closes for two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period, which happens to coincide with my roommates disappearing; one on vacation and the other to a new apartment. I’ll have the place to myself for a week before the new roommate moves in and I’m looking forward to getting all domestic and doing some cleaning, tidying and, best of all, baking! I’m going to throw a little party just to have an excuse to bake (and a means of preventing myself from eating EVERYTHING I bake). When I was in Melbourne I picked up a Donna Hay cookbook filled with delicious recipes, plus I’ve been soliciting recipes from friends and family in the wake of losing my precious recipe book somehow in the last apartment. Still a bit sad and annoyed about that. But it’s gone, I don’t know where, exactly when or quite how it happened, so I must simply start over. Bridgette, your ginger and spiced caramel slice is top of my list to try out!

On the weekend, I helped Alex shoot a scene for her showreel. It’s a little dramatic, slice of life moment in a car, which I wrote. With James behind his fancy, very neat, camera, and another friend behind the wheel of the car, we drove around for a few hours finding the best light and doing several takes. A fun afternoon hanging out with friends and creating something; what better way to spend your time! Looking forward to seeing the footage. I’m setting my webseries in a car, too. Why this preoccupation with cars? Must be an LA thing! With work being very quiet this last week or so, I’ve written three episodes and fleshed out a fourth in my head. I plan to write the remaining four eps over the next two weeks.

Sport of Acting finished up for the year on Tuesday night. We had a great class, during which Vinny encouraged me to deliver the whole St Monica monologue I’ve been working on in three parts. Last week I performed “Part 3” for the first time, so it is the section I’ve worked on the least (which I felt) but it was delicious fun to do the whole thing; like stretching out in a big bed, or hitting the freeway after traveling in stop-start traffic (there I go with the car thing again). Then the whole class hung out in the theatre and shared wine, cheese, chocolate and passionate opinions, not to mention wonderful bonhomie.

"Reflections" disturbed

What the hell is going on?  Checked in on my wee blog this morning to find that the insidious blank video link had once again attached itself to the blog entry formerly known as Reflections on a Holiday in my Favourite City.  I have therefore deleted the whole entry once again.

Quick entertainment review:  On the weekend I saw The King's Speech, starring the marvelous and thoroughly lovely Colin Firth, the rumpled and roguish Geoffrey Rush, and the sublime Helena Bonham-Carter.  An interesting episode in history involving the infamous abdication of King Edward (who chose the love of American divorcee Wallace Simpson over the throne), leaving his brother Albert (fondly known as Bertie, but formally referred to as George VI) to wear the crown.  Saddled with a crippling stammer, Bertie, thanks partly to his intrepid wife, starts working with an Australian speech therapist called Lionel Logue.  It's a classic tale of overcoming adversity which made me laugh and cry and applaud loudly.  Beautifully written and performed, it's an absolute delight.  Go see it!

I've also been watching new episodes of Misfits, an anarchic UK show that turns the superhero genre on its ear.  The show follows the exploits of a bunch of young offenders on community service duties who, in a freak storm, suddenly acquire supernatural abilities.  Do they go about saving the world?  Nope.  But they look after each other, and despite their prickly differences (and, in most cases, lack of social graces), form bonds as they try to hide their powers and half-heartedly perform their community service duties.  They have foul mouths, behave badly, but are not totally irredeemable (and the regional Brit accents are marvellous). The show is inventive, sharply written, hilarious and thrilling.  I'm told Season 1 is currently showing in Australia on ABC2.  Season 2 has just started screening in the UK, but no sign of it in the US (Netflix hasn't heard of it, either) so I've been resorting to YouTube!

Getting Sporty with it

December is here and with it, winter— LA-style winter—which means mostly cloudless blue skies and mild temperatures during the day followed by freezing cold nights. Weeelll, freezing is perhaps overstating it: quite chilly, might be a more accurate description. We’re thin-blooded devils here on the West Coast. Pity the poor fools languishing in snow drifts on the East Coast.


Financially, I’m feeling the pinch of my Aussie Odyssey, on top of Thanksgiving holidays. However, I also feel rested and re-energised. And the good news is I’ll be at UCLA until at least the end of January. We break for two weeks over Christmas (sigh, more penny pinching required!) during which I plan to lay low and write. And if I’m lucky I might score a few days work here or there through the temp agency. If I’m really lucky, I’ll be cast in a commercial!

Almost as soon as I got off the plane, I was back in rehearsals for the Sport of Acting’s class project: the performance of four short plays, written by the talented Jeffrey Addiss, and directed by friends of Vinny (also industry pros). The plays were each very funny, with a dark edge, which made them all the more satisfying. It was great to see everyone involved working together. It was especially wonderful watching the members of the class who have less stage experience; they worked so hard and really grew as actors. To use Sport terminology, it just goes to show that no matter how many practice sessions you have, some lessons are learnt out on the field. Performing for an audience puts you on your toes and increases your “match fitness.” OK, enough with the metaphors. Putting on a show and performing for an audience is very familiar territory for me. I must confess I was not particularly challenged (or nervous) but that’s not to say I didn’t get anything out of it. I had the fun—and honour—of working with an exacting director who made me think about the script in different ways, and playing with two of my classmates, both of whom did wonderful work. Plus, I love performing. Gimme a stage, I’ll get on it.

Gotta love Thanksgiving. With no religious connections, it is an occasion in which everyone can participate. Indeed, it is all about inclusiveness and sharing. This year I was once again embraced by some American friends and fed lots of yummy food. Thank you Amber and Jamie for your generosity and friendship. With a belly full of turkey, pumpkin pie and roasted marshmallows, sloshing around in some excellent pinot noir, I eventually rolled home to bed.

I had a big commercial audition last week in which I was able to use my natural accent. It was in fact a requirement. How lovely! Authentic Aussie accents were required because this is a commercial (or, potentially, series of commercials = serious money) being made to screen exclusively in Australia. How ironic to go all the way to LA to have a shot at a big Australian commercial. Aside from the accent, I felt this one was right in my milieu; slightly quirky, girl-next-door, comedy and improv background. So I was excited about it, and felt that the audition went well. However, I haven’t heard anything, so must assume I’m not in consideration. This is a real bummer. It makes me question what I’m doing. People keep telling me I have talent, that I should persevere, but sometimes I think I must be lacking something. That extra something special. Star quality? Pop? Zing? Call it what you will. And I am tired of living like a pauper, being a charity case! I shouldn’t despair at one audition, but I don’t know how much longer I can push on this without a return. I promised myself two years in LA to see what happens, then reassess. The next 12 months will be interesting.