Giving Thanks

Two of the best reasons to visit home...

For the first time in 6 years, I was at home for Thanksgiving.  I was hoping to see some fall colors on the trees, but the leaves were mostly gone -- still it was beautiful to see what remained...

It was so good to see Leia and Jude, my niece and nephew.  They seem to grow so much in-between visits!  We had a lot of fun hanging out, and I hope they can someday come out here to visit L.A.

Thanksgiving reminds me how fortunate I am.  I'm very grateful for the support of my family and friends in the Midwest -- many of whom I was lucky enough to see during my brief visit.  I look forward to being back again soon!

Film Lab - Final Push!

First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to the many friends and family who have already given generously to support Film Lab -- we have raised nearly $25,000 for the new production arm of the Performing Arts Institute.  We are now in the final hours of our raise, so please consider parting with a dollar or two to support independent film and opportunities for actors. 

Every dollar will go up on the screen, and I am excited to start shooting my role in the first production, "Amnesia," this Sunday!

Thanks again for supporting the arts!

NCIS: Shell Shock - Part II

Gina's first NCIS episode of the season, "Shell Shock - Part II" airing Tuesday, November 20 at 8/7C on CBS continues the story of Captain Westcott as he tries to retrace his steps to track down a terrorist.  It is an amazing and powerful episode that shines a light on PTSD which affects thousands and thousands of our veterans, servicemen and women.  Please watch.

MU Opening Night: The Bad and the Good

Sadly Marquette's much-anticipated season opener last week vs. Ohio State aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, never got going due to condensation on the court.  Sounds like bad planning to me...

BUT, a good friend from my own MU days, Nick, and his fiance Ece, happened to be in town passing through on their way back to Chicago from New Zealand/Fiji (niiiiice!)  So, despite the basketball game being cancelled, we still managed a great night of catching up, and -- as you can see from the picture -- an outstanding spread of condiments!

Cat Fancy: Art and Moofy Update

Many of you have asked how our cats are doing...  Moofy and Art have been living together for a year now.  While it would be too strong to say that they have become friends, they certainly are progressing. 

 

Moofy now tolerates the younger and more energetic Art -- to a degree.  He wants to play and cuddle, but she's not having any of it.  Still, she lets him hang out by her -- complete with the occasional head-licking -- much more than she used to.

"Working the Dream" -- Paul Kampf on LA Talk Radio

My acting coach/director, Paul Kampf, just did an extensive interview with LA Talk Radio where he covers many topics; from his experience in theatre and film to his training philosophies, from Film Lab to his long-term plans and goals.  

If you are interested about hearing what it is like living/working/teaching and taking class out in LA, or just need some motivation to keep living the dream, give a listen to the interview with Paul -- so much good stuff! 

Playing Dress-up: Part 28

Channeling my inner eighties-gangster on the set of a recent film. Not pictured: my white pseudo-wingtips...

Thinking Outside the Industry

I found out that the Ricki Lake episode they were planning to shoot this week has been postponed until December, so stay tuned as far as that goes...

As it happens, I was telling the Ricki Lake producer that I think one of the most important things for actors/writers to do when they come to LA is to get involved with something completely OUTSIDE of the industry -- whether it be a gym, book club, hiking, knitting group, whatever.  It helps to keep career things in perspective... 

For me, one of those outside things has been softball.  Through playing, I have found a competitive outlet, manged to keep (a little bit) fit, and met some of my best friends out here.  This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be a part of a really, really good team.  An amazing group of guys, a long day of games, and finally success!  We defended our title from last summer (in matching shirts this time!) and will be rewarded with "Glendale Tourney Champs" hoodies.