20 Q's with Kinga Gorski!

1. Were you named after anyone?

Nope, not after anyone in particular - although almost everyone who meets me for the first time asks if it means anything or if it's a shortened version of something, but it just is what it is..hah. It's an eastern European name - I'm Polish. There's another Polish Kinga that lives right across from me (mini me) and I know another Kinga who's Hungarian.

2. Do you like your own handwriting?

Sure, I suppose..never really gave it too much thought to be honest. Nowadays it's pretty scribbled if I'm just jotting something down, but I can write pretty neatly if I have to. I haven't been able to get a signature that I really liked though..

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

It would be awesome to FLY! And teleport myself places, oh the life..

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

I've said this for a long time and I still believe it to be true..I'm probably one of the biggest optimists I know. I've met some pretty inspiring people though who help me stay this way. There's always a silver lining to every less-than-ideal situation.

5. What do you collect?

Well, I USED to collect giant rocks with quartz in them, keep them in a tin box and scrub them shiny with a toothbrush..HA! No idea where I got them from either..I also used to collect limited edition and foreign coins. Then I realized that I never ever looked at the coins that I collected, and the rocks were generally useless..haha. So now I collect any articles, photos and general media about projects I've worked on and put them in my acting scrapbook. Hopefully it'll allow me to work in the U.S. one day!

6. What are your favourite smells?

I love the smell of a delicious meal, nice cologne or perfume,

fragrant flowers and forests. Even just fresh mountain air is great!

7. Coffee or Tea?

Both! Love my beverages!

8. Wine or Beer?

It depends on the setting, but overall taste-wise - a glass of good white wine will always go down smooth.

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

It's impossible to choose just one, I've had countless phenomenal

meals. But the best ice cream I've ever had was from a random park vendor Victoria on Vancouver Island, where I tried the pralines and cream flavour for the first time. It made me weak in the knees.

10. Mac or PC?

I'm still figuring out how to fully use it, but I'm in love with my new MacBook Pro laptop!

11. What are you listening to right now?

Bon Iver (fav right now, just saw him in concert and it was the best show I've ever been to). The Arcade Fire, Adele, Daniel Wesley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foster the People, Dan Mangan, Death Cab..endless. The Peak 100.5 (radio station here in Vancouver) plays overall phenomenal tunes.

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

If there was any other career I actually wanted to pursue (even in addition to acting), I'd pursue it in THIS life. ;) One day I'd like to take a bartending course and perhaps become a chocolatier. But I'm an actor first and foremost.

13. What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sound of applause and cheering. Cheering on your favourite musicians & bands, performers, actors in a live play..the whole energy of love and support gives me chills!

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

Shrill barking, snoring, nails on a chalkboard, landscapers when I'm trying to sleep..haha.

15. Mountains or Beach?

I think there's more to do on mountains when it comes to activities(interestingly), but I LOVE hot weather. So probably the beach. Although I've been snowboarding for 9 years, so I have a soft spot for the cold stuff.

16. Cook or Bake?

 I'm not particularly skilled at either..but I've made some successful baked treats in my days.

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

Never have. I go to cafes by myself all the time though.

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. Whatʼs your first instinct?

To help them of course. I'll always make a small joke too to lighten up the mood and try to make them feel less embarrassed.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

Peter Pan! There are some great ones out there though..

20. What would you tell the 13 year old you?

That's an interesting question..I think I tell myself the same things now, that I'd tell the 13 year old me. Just keep on working your ass off and the rewards will come. At the very least you'll live the life you want and be happy!

Kinga was a fellow comrade in my 6 month journey, at Vancouver Acting School. We have had some lovely times, and I am thankful I got the chance to know her, and witness the talent she possesses. This girl is BUSY. While in school, she went to class until 10-11pm, and got up for work at 4:00am. R.E.S.P.E.C.T

No matter where Kinga goes, success will follow her. She is beautiful, driven, and always there for support and encouragement. 

Here's to the future my dear, wishing you all the best! xoxo

It's never the end of your story....

This world is so big, and filled with so many people. As they say, it takes all kinds to make it up. 

Everyday we come across things that challenge us, that make us think "is this happening?", "could I really do that?", or "I'm scared."

So what is your biggest fear?

Mine...is that I won't slow down and actually take IN the moments - and that I won't reach out to certain people before it's too late.

There is this fantastic organization called "To Write Love On Her Arms" (TWLOHA). They are a non profit movement dedicated to helping people who are struggling with addiction, depression, self injury, and suicide. They encourage, inform, and inspire, and also directly invest in recovery and treatment.

If you have a moment please read their Vision Statement. Good stuff. 

The world needs organizations like these - to let people know they are not alone. People should not have to suffer, or not be who they are. Everyone is EQUAL, everyone deserves to be LOVED, and everyone deserves to be ACCEPTED.

TWLOHA founder, Jamie Tworkowski, his photographer friend Jeremy, and bunch of friends invited people to share their fears and dreams. A fabulous idea. Sharing IS caring, and it's good to get people talking.

They took a trip from Nashville to LA, and here is what happened:

Organizations like these, are imperative. If they reach one person it's worth it, but of course reaching as many as possible, is a goal. There are people everyday, fighting battles. Some who refuse to give up, and are finding strength through all of the chaos - like this young guy, below:

 "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ E.E. Cummings

xoxo NDR

Playlist of The Week

 So let me start by saying that the new album from The Black Keys  - "El Camino" is top notch. So, SO good (I didn't expect any less). I have been listening to it from start to finish, on repeat. 

What is everyone listening to, right now? Let me know on here, Facebook, Twitter...I want to hear it!!

What's been playing on my iPod:

 I came across this group through my love of The xx. I really liked this song. They are still under investigation.

 This song off of their new album "El Camino" makes me want to drink whiskey, and go on a trip through the deep south.

 Have always been a fan of "Broken Social Scene", and then Leslie Feist went solo. Be still my heart. This woman is all soul, and she has carried me through some days - that is a fact.


                                   ******************************************************

This next group gets TWO videos, as I am absolutely obsessed with them. This band was formed by french musician Anthony Gonzalez back in 2001. I am so in love with their sound. Shoegazing - 80's Electro-pop <3

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Happy listening! 

xoxo NDR

New York is calling her name...20 Q's with Lindsay Church!

1. Were you named after anyone?

No one intentionally.

2. Do you like your own handwriting?

I don't even know how to hand write all the letters. Like lower case Z....?! If I make an effort my printing is nice though! :)

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

Enough time and money to do everything I want to do :p Or to be able to use Accio (from Harry Potter) the summoning charm.

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

Hmm...I'm prone to fall into a bit of pessimism when I'm feeling down, but in general I'm a pretty firm believer in "everything happens for a reason" which lends itself to optimism.

5. What do you collect?

I use to collect all my old pointe shoes from ballet, but when I moved I didn't have room for them. I need a new collection! Open to suggestions...

6. What are your favourite smells?

Vanilla, Pumpkin, Baking/Cooking, the smell at Christmas time!

7. Coffee or Tea?

Tea, but coffee is growing on me.

8. Wine or Beer?

Wine for sure, not a beer drinker. 

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

I've had some amazing meals, usually anything made for me by someone I love...but the first time I (and my ex) made a full Thanksgiving dinner on our own (he was Turkey, I was the rest of it)..I was pretty proud. That made it my favourite probably.

10. Mac or PC?

PC! Wish I was a Mac, but I'm just not.

11. What are you listening to right now?

I'm listening to the cast of Grey's Anatomy singing How To Save A Life (originally by The Fray)

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

I would pursue dance professionally, and still acting/writing. I couldn't imagine anything else. I've tried!

13. What sound or noise do you love?

Music that hits me emotionally, laughter, rain when I'm all snuggly indoors, Christmas bells ringing ("Every time a bell rings and angel gets his (or her*) wings"

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

Fighting, rain when I'm about to step outside, nails on a chalkboard.

15. Mountains or Beach?

Toss up - I don't think I could pick one over the other. How lucky I am to live in Vancouver where I selfishly get both!

16. Cook or Bake?

Well, I'm a sweet tooth girl. But I'm trying to get better at both so I'm not that choosy.

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

I've been to Tim Horton's/Subway etc alone, but never a real sit down restaurant or a movie - on my bucket list though!

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

To jump up and help her and make sure she's okay.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

Cinderella.

20. What would you tell the 13 year old you?

Life is beautiful - don't waste it trying to be something you're not when what you ARE is exactly what you should be.

Miss Lindsay Churchill-Church.....

As per the running theme, I met Lindsay at Vancouver Acting School. She was another one of those people,  from the "day class".  Like, who do they think they are, thinking that going to school during the day, was where it was at?! :p ;)

My friend Paige had mentioned Lindsay to me in conversation, but I had yet to meet her. I passed by her in the halls, but hadn't gotten the chance to chat. Before I had an opportunity to seek her out, she found me - and wasted no time introducing herself. Am I ever thankful she did.

This girl's spirit, is out of control, in all of the right ways! Her honesty about her life, and who she is as a person, is fundamentally refreshing. She is unapologetic for who she is, and I am inspired by her every time that I am in her presence. She is an old soul, and I am convinced that she was a starlet from the 40's, in a past life.

Love this girl to death!  Here's to many more memories my dear xoxo

Music Monday!

My song obession for this week, and last is "No Light, No Light", by Florence + The Machine.  I love her new album "Ceremonials" period, but everytime I hear this song, I get insane goosebumps. It could be the suttle choir interludes, or just the fact that I think she is amazing!

**I also just bought tickets to Mother Mother, in December. So stoked! I have wanted to see them for SO long.

Music makes me so happy. Even in my crappy walk to work this morning (mixed snow, rain, and wind), it kept me going - even though I clearly wanted to tell it to kick rocks :p

Happy Monday!!
Xoxo NDR

Marcel the Shell

These are my videos of the year....OR my life maybe!!

Liiiiiiife!

I am feeling really humble right now. I am trying to make more of a stronger effort to really realize all that I have, and how fortunate I am.

I have something really huge on the horizon right now in my personal life, and I believe it may happen sooner than expected.  I plan to keep this space updated with all that I can, as looking back it keeps me grateful, accountable, and my focus in check.

P.S I have a few more 20 questions to post, from some pretty fabulous people. Watch this space!

Happy Thursday!
Xoxo
NDR

From the Prairies to the City.....here's Jeff Todd!

1. Were you named after anyone?

Well, my first name doesn’t originate from anyone that I know of, but my middle names, Maurice and Don, are the names of both of my grandfathers.

2. Do you like your own handwriting?


I absolutely love my own handwriting. I take a lot of pride in what I say, because it reflects who I am, so I have taken time to make sure that the style in which I say things on paper truly reflects my personality.

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

Invisibility.

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

I am an optimistic optimist.

5. What do you collect?

I collect thoughts and ideas.

6. What are your favourite smells?

I am in love with the smell of maple, but when a woman wears the right perfume, it drives me crazy.

7. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee. Addict.

8. Wine or Beer?

Beer. Grew up on the prairies. 

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

The best thing I’ve ever eaten…. I would have to say everything my Grandma cooks, and in the comfort and familiarity of her home.

10. Mac or PC?

PC FTW.

11. What are you listening to right now?

The city.

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

Either psychology or some kind of theoretical physics I’d say.

 13. What sound or noise do you love?

Whales.

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

Sirens.

15. Mountains or Beach?

Mountains for sure. Big fan of exploring. Plus, mountains smell incredible.

16. Cook or Bake?

Cook.

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

Not yet, but it’s on the list.

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

Help her clean it up. I’ve been a busser.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

My favourite fairy tale.. Good question… The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

20. What would you tell the 13 year old you?

You’re right where you need to be, and nobody knows you like you do.

I met Jeff at Vancouver Acting School. He was enrolled in the daytime program, and I was in the Night Shift (HUA!). Due to our opposite schedules, the opportunity  for us to chat unfortunately rarely presented itself. A couple of months before we graduated, however, the two classes formed a group in which we started reading screenplays written by our fellow classmates. It was a really great way for all of us to get together, out of our normal schedules, and to share in everyone's creativity.

Hailing from Saskatoon, Jeff is one to watch out for! He moved all the way to Vancouver to pursue his dreams, and you have to admire that. He is a talented actor, and a gifted voice over artist.

Being a part of this community has allowed me to be in the presence of so many talented people. I really am very lucky. 

I look forward to seeing where Jeff's promising career takes him, and I am thankful I've had the chance to get to know him a little better, and hope that continues.

Break a leg!

xoxoNDR

Turn the tables...

 So for an interlude between my 20 question guest spots, I thought I would bring you some questions that were asked of me, by my friends.

The first set is from my friend Julie, who was my last guest 20 questions spotlight. This is what she had for me....

1. Earthquake, volcano, tornado or hurricane?


I must be crazy, but I would definitely be a storm chaser. Tornado, for sure. "It's a twister, it's a twister!"


2. What type of character would you most like to play in a production?


All characters have a story, and that's what I love about acting. You can dive deep into another world, and use your imagination and creativity. I love emotional work. *Think Evan Rachel Wood and Mickey Rourke, in "The Wrestler". Their relationship was so raw, with so much going on underneath, it really broke and captivated my heart at the same time.

3. You're a passionate person - what world issue do you find yourself the most drawn to?

How do you really pick...one? My strongest passions are with our environmental future on this planet, ANYTHING to do with animals - (captivity, cruelty, rehabilitation, adoption), and Child Slavery and Sex trafficking.

4. Dream band to see in concert?

I knew this question would be in here, and again it is so hard to just name one.......aye.
I will have to say, Radiohead.

5. What is the most extravagant purchase you have ever made?

My trip to Europe.Worth every penny.

6. A word that you like? 

Explicit.

  **Next up is questions from Ella. Here's what she had for me.....

1. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? ("World Peace" does not count :/)

Animal cruelty. 

2.  If you were stranded on a desert island, which 3 books/movies would you want to be stranded with? (yes, the desert island has a home theatre hidden in a cave...)

Three books would be: A Clockwork Orange, The Lord of The Rings, and The Book of Awesome.
Three Movies would be: The Four Feathers, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Dazed and Confused.

3. Tell us something about you that most people don't know...

I've had 3 tubal ear surgeries.
I had a strong desire to join the Air Force, but I am happy with how things turned out.




xoxoNDR

20 Questions with one of my nearest & dearest....Julie Foster!

1. Were you named after anyone? 

I was named after my Dad's girlfriend from 6th grade. He had a crush on her, and I guess always

liked the name. My middle name is apparently a female adaption of my Dad & Grandpa's first

names. 

2. Do you like your own handwriting?  

I love my handwriting, even though it still looks quite childlike to me at times. It's starting to look less neat and tidy though, and I find myself pickier about what kinds of pens I use when I have to handwrite things of importance (maybe it's because I actually have fingernails now). It must be the technology taking over, because I find myself writing less than ever, and scrutinizing it when I do.

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

I would be invisible in a heartbeat. The badass in me would rob banks, steal people's drinks off the bar, trip people for kicks, and peep over people's shoulders to see what they're looking at on their cellphones. Just general up-to-no-goodness. Plus, there is no way you wouldn't be really stinking rich. It would just be too easy to get everything you want, and I'm selfish and greedy like that.

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

I'm mostly a pessimist. If there is a way that something won't end well, I'll overanalyze the hell out of it. I've become more optimistic the older I get, but the realist and critic in me knows that all that glitters is not gold, at least in this little life of mine. I just found that dealing with it as it happens is easier than hanging on to the idea that every thing will turn around for the better.

5. What do you collect?

I collect owl objects. So far I have a wall-hanging, a Bath & Body Works fragrance diffuser, a couple of little home decor objects and a little keychain watch. I've been scouring Etsy for more vintage 70's owl decor, but so far have not purchased anything. I also collect pessimistic thoughts too, apparently. Oh, and music!

6. What are your favourite smells?

I love the smell of freshly laundered linen, pumpkins, red wine, vanilla anything, campfire (but not on my clothes after), coffee shops (especially when getting my Skinny Vanilla Latte fix), and roasting meats.

7. Coffee or Tea?

I like both coffee and tea. Coffee is my go-to in the morning, like most. I like a cup of herbal decaf in the evenings in front of the t.v., especially in the colder months.

 8. Wine or Beer?

Beer over wine. I love wine when I get around to drinking it, which isn't often, and I have to be in the right mood. Beer covers all moods, really. I love to slam a cold beer, and can go through a bunch before it's too late. I like most beer, except Guinness, which can end a St. Paddy's right quick.

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

I'm not a foodie at all. I love food in general, but I do get upset when I eat something and I don't like it - especially in a restaurant. I actually get sad about it! I would have to say that I love Chachi's Mac & Cheese. I like simple foods, mostly because I'm down to eat almost anything. I've had amazing pad thai, sushi and seafood meals.

10. Mac or PC?

I love PC still, just as I still stick to Blackberry. Am I afraid? Find Mac a little bit daunting? Who knows... all I know is that my ex had a Macbook and I couldn't figure the damn thing out. I'll stick with the tried-and-true for now!

11. What are you listening to right now?

Round the '2' - Limblifter. I wish this band was still touring - I would love to see them with The Watchmen...maybe all opening for The Hip. I would DIE a good old beer-fueled Canadian death!

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

I would LOVE to be a music journalist (but not the "enemy") I don't care which era...but preferrably now - for the Austin scene, the NYC intimate club nights, the variety of festivals, etc. There are so many bands out there in the past 5 years making waves and paving a new path for our musical future. I would love to pursue them, talk about them, learn where they get their ideas from and be a part of the bigger picture one day for the up-and-comers. The blend of new sounds, electro beats, and visionary ideas is amazing! Think: Pictureplane, James Blake, Youth Lagoon, Burial - this music is ridiculous.

13. What sound or noise to you love?

I love faaaat dubby beats, a whip-your-head-around guitar riff or electro build-up, the sound of people whispering because it trips me out, ocean waves, rain/wind/loud thunder (when I dont have to walk in it), my cat's "happy to see you" meow, kid giggles (especially my niece's), the din of a thousand people in one place for one thing

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

I hate the sound of the radio calling in at work, screaming babies on airplanes and in restaurants (unless I know the baby, then I don't care), kid toys, my cat's "can I have a treat even though I know you're sleeping" meow, women with screechy voices, alarm clocks

15. Mountains or Beach?

Beach all the way. I'm not a cold-weather person and a klutz, so anything mountain-related makes me cringe unless it includes Spanish Coffee in a fire-warmed lounge mountainside. I don't do anything outdoorsy, unless it's in sunshine and beside lapping waves. I can stare at the ocean for hours and love every minute of it.

16.Cook or Bake?

I'm a much better baker than cook. But then, I'm not a sweets loving person, so I can't win. I can't really do either very good.

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

I do now, and just recently, and rarely. I've gone out for dinner by myself several times, mostly because I was either craving something or didn't want to cook. I took myself on a date one night...dinner, movies, walk in the park - the whole nine yards. I like my company, but sometimes I feel like if I spend too much time with myself, I'll go crazy.

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

If a waitress spilled food by my table I would totally help her out because it's in my nature to do the polite thing...but if she was my waitress and she was a bitch, I'd probably look, assess the situation and do nothing - because what goes around come around. Trust me, I've had bitchy waitresses. I don't care what happened to you at home, I don't bring my shit to work and neither should you.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

I don't really believe in fairy-tales...and this all goes back to the pessimistic, realistic, critic in me. Nothing happens overnight. Nothing happens for free. Things take work...love takes work...finding the right shoes doesn't equal everlasting love. I wish I did believe in them, maybe my expectations would be different...but I'm not a romantic.

20. What would you tell the 13year old you?

I would tell her to get off the path she was on. She was a narcissistic, foul-mouthed, school-hating cretin. I would have said to strive for a proper education, stop being selfish, and respect your parents because they really are smarter than you think...be more intelligent in your choices, don't take advantage of others and especially don't let them take advantage of you...be more independent, be proud of yourself and like you for you, do the best you can and make the most of it. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't worth something, because you are. Love yourself, and be someone who is willing to be loved.

I'm not sure where to start, and quite frankly where to end. But I'll give it a go :)

I've known Julie since I was in Grade 5. Having a friend for that length of time, is just so precious. She has seen me at my lowest of lows, my highest of highs, and everything else in between.

Julie is my music soul sister. I can always count on her, for knowing practically every song I send her way, and always having some to send me back. 

She is the forever kind of friend, and always will be. Time can pass between our visits, but we pick right back up from where we left off. It's magic. She has my back, and I will always have hers.

She is a beautiful person inside and out, and I am so happy that she is starting to realize this for herself. She has an amazing family, and I am equally close to her sister, Laura (who I hope fills out these questions as well - hint). 

I have many great memories, and I look forward to so many more. 

Cheers to you, doll. You have come a long way, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for being there for me, thank you for your honesty, and for being such a big part of my life. Love you long time.

xoxo NDR

When in doubt, just take the next right step...

It feels as though lately, I have SO many things to do, and want to do. I get overwhelmed super easy.

Like for instance, I have a stack of books on my night side table, and I look at them and get anxious. Why?!? I shouldn't feel that way. I LOVE books, and have since I was a child. It used to be the only way I could fall asleep. It's like part of me wishes I could clone myself, and I could read all of them at once. But then, where is the fun in that? Books are thought provoking. They are meant to be enjoyed, and savoured. They take me to another place. Gahhh, I know, I know, one page at a time, one book at a time.

I had been trying to figure out what to do for classes. I finally signed up for a class. BOOM. Very excited for that. By the time I start up again, it will have been nearly 2 months since I graduated. I certainly have felt the void. So that's another thing off of my list.

I have a HUGE list of movies and TV shows I want to see, but I know I'll get around to pinging those off of my list. I recently started watching "Mad Men". Wow, am I ever hooked on that show. Great writing, I absolutely LOVE the era. There are a few interesting twists and turns as well. Solid.

So with that happening, I also have been been battling back and forth lately, as to what direction I am actually heading in? But really, do I need to be going one specific way? I love to act, so I am going to continue with classes. I love to sing, and I'm looking at going back to lessons. I love to write, and try to do that everyday. I am also going to sign up to volunteer at the S.P.C.A. I started this process a while back, and never followed through. Animals are near and dear to me, and if I can't have an animal where I live, then I must be around them some other way.
Most recently, I have discovered, just how passionate I am about world events. Pretty much - just standing up for what I believe in. I even found myself on Langara's website today, looking at their "Peace and Conflict Studies" diploma. Good gravy! I'm like a neverending student!

But that is what life is all about, isn't it? Learning, growing, loving - Evolving.

I vow today, to never limit myself. Take it one moment at a time if I need to, and to never doubt myself. There is never one set plan. It can be changed and added to.
In a book I'm reading right now titled, "God Never Blinks - 50 lessons for Life's little detours", there is a chapter titled, "When in doubt, just take the next right step".  How true is that? The steps we take don't have to solve all of the future questions you are going to have, just take the next right step for YOU, for the moment.

Sigh. Ok. Lets do this!
xoxo NDR

Let's get down to some BIZ - 20 Questions with Catherine Lough Haggquist

1. Were you named after anyone?

As far as I know, my Mom and my Grandmother and a couple of kick-butt English Queens.


2. Do you like your own handwriting?

I like my printing as I do it confidently. My handwriting I do more cautiously and so I find I hesitate in my thoughts more when I write.

3. What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

Mind control.

4. Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

  I am cautiously optimistic and believe in preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.    

5. What do you collect?

Shoes. Luckily I am in a profession (and of a foot size) where I can justify my collection by renting them to productions.

6. What are your favourite smells?

Baking and spicy food.

7. Coffee or Tea?

Coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee. Then herbal tea to calm down.

8. Wine or Beer?

Wine for life, beer for NASCAR.

9. What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

Any meal my husband has prepared for me

10. Mac or PC?

PC

11. What are you listening to right now?

The NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kyle Busch is currently in the lead.

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

Actor

13. What sound or noise to you love?

Little kids laughing, especially when they crack themselves up.

14. What sound or noise do you hate?

The thud after screeching tires when you don’t know who or what was hit.

15. Mountains or Beach?

Beach

16. Cook or Bake?

Hey, whatever you want to do is fine by me, just please deliver it to...

17. Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

Restaurants. I often use solo dinner dates with myself as recharge time between classes, meetings, auditions, or coaching clients. I like to sit silently and reflect or do some writing and going by myself gives me mental space. I like the “shared memory” of movies and like to go to those with others.

18. A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

To smile at her and ask her if she is okay.

19. What is your favourite fairy tale?

Any story that contains a Fairy Godmother. I like the notion of some unexpected advocate showing up in your life and encouraging you to shift your perspective in search of your best you. And they have wands.

20. What would you tell the 13 year old you?

Break more rules.



** I met Cat just over 6 months ago at Vancouver Acting School. I would soon realize, that my Friday nights were never going to be the same. Cat teaches the Business class, and I can honestly tell you that without the BOUNTIFUL education I received from her every week, I would be probably be a fish out of water right now.
I looked forward to Friday every week. Particularly, because I never knew sometimes what was going to be asked of me, whether it was surprise interviews, call back questions from past classes, or a NEW and EXCITING detail from our life :D

This class was so essential, and I couldn't have asked for a better lady to teach it.
Cat just received her 70th IMDB credit, that's right, her 70th!!!! She is an amazing talent, and such an inspiration for me. (Honestly, if I could have found your clip from "American Dreams" of you singing Heatwave, it would have been on here for sure!!)
Cat also owns Biz Books, an excellent resource on finding books on anything in the entertainment industry. Check out the website

Another thing I take away, besides all of the information (my notebooks are plump), is the joy that exudes from this wonderful person. Not only is she talented and educated, but she is the most genuine and caring person. Cat,  you go above and beyond, thank you SO very much. HUA!
Keep doing what you're doing, because it has paid off, and I wish you nothing but continued success and love!

P.S. Then there is her husband Neil - BOOM. Power couples unite!! :)

Somethings you just don't ever forget

For information on Cat, you can check out her Facebook Fan page

If you are interested in a Business class, you can check out the schedule at Vancouver Acting School

You are a gem!
xoxo NDR

Introducing 20 Questions with Guest writers......First up - Michael "Showtime" Coleman

1.       Were you named after anyone?

Middle name (Robert) was after my Uncle Bob.

2.       Do you like your own handwriting?

Love. I have a nervous disorder that creates uncontrollable shakes and have dedicated decades to creating handwriting that looks nice.

3.       What would your superpower be if you could choose one?

Green Lantern

4.       Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

Optimistically Pessimistic

5.       What do you collect?

Memorabilia from tv/film projects I've worked on

6.       What are your favourite smells?

Newborns, effeminate shampoos, perfume

7.       Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Fringe, from the episode "Marionette"



8.       Wine or Beer?

Wine

9.       What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

Single Malt Scotch (I eat it)

10.   Mac or PC?

Mac

11.   What are you listening to right now?

Rockabye covers for babies (Nirvana)

12. What career would you pursue in another life?

Actor/Writer/Coach

13.   What sound or noise to you love?

"You're first choice!"

14.   What sound or noise do you hate?

"They went another direction"

15.   Mountains or Beach?

Beach

16.   Cook or Bake?

Cook

17.   Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

Lots. Love it. I consider it fun work.

18.   A Waitress spills a tray of food by your table. You are with a small group. What’s your first instinct?

Offer to help

19.   What is your favourite fairy tale?

The Princess Bride

20.   What would you tell the 13year old you?

Awesome, right? Just like we planned only a little better.

I first saw Michael’s posts on a website I often perused when I first moved to Vancouver, called Vancouver Actor’s Guide. After some messaging back and forth, and a determination to finally pursue my passion for storytelling, I found myself at his school on a winter's day, last December. After a audition and meeting, I was in for March 2011. No turning back.

Michael is the Artistic Director of Vancouver Acting School, 

Dream. Plan. Create

Over the last 6 months, I worked my way through the Full time “Intensive” program. Words cannot begin to express what I have taken away from that school. It felt like a second home to me, and still does. The people I have met there are phenomenal human beings. The amount of talent that walks in and out of that building, blows my mind. All of the teachers are busy working actors in the industry, and their insight is an asset. I am forever thankful for the skills and foundations I have built.
I am happy to be returning next month, to continue honing my craft, and to keep my saw sharp.

I will never EVER forget this famous quote:

"If you are not here to pursue this at the highest level, burn your headshots and fire your agent".

A special congratulations to Michael and his wife Michelle, on the birth of their new baby daughter "Belle" - an already die hard Canucks fan, I'm sure :)

Thank you Michael for contributing to my blog.

xoxo NDR - "HUA"