Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The best 168 days...

The last few months, I have evolved so much. During this time specifically, I have found out so much about myself. I have become the most vulnerable that I have ever been. I have been doing what I love, and it's such a great feeling.

Nearly 6 months ago, I walked through the doors of Vancouver Acting School. I can still remember my first night like it was yesterday. We all sat in Studio B. I can remember sitting there, anxious. I was yet again embarking on another journey into the unknown. I looked around at these faces that were walking in.  These faces were the people that have become a big part of my life. We all took a plunge to be here, and I honestly couldn't be any happier or prouder, than I am right now of my soon to be graduating classes.
My night shift has a special place in my heart. HUA!

This has been an absolute roller coaster of emotion for me. I know I could not (nahhht) have done it without the support of my nightshift family, dayshift sister families, the fabulous teaching staff at VAS, my family, and my dear friends. <3

Kudos to everyone for believing in their dreams, and having the courage and perseverance to do something about them!

I wish you all the best of life, love, and laughter. Here's to the future.
The collaborations, the risks, the achievements, the tears, the instincts, the strength, the support, the hugs, the writing, and the art.
Go kick some serious ass!





Thursday, August 25, 2011

"Be the person, your dog thinks you are."

I found this article (with video) on the Huffington Post. These kind of stories are a true testament of how unconditional our animals really are. There are SO many stories like this. It breaks and warms my heart at the same time.

Xo NDR




Dog of Fallen Navy SEAL, Officer Jon Tumilson, Refuses To Leave Casket (VIDEO)
Tumilson
The Huffington Post First Posted: 8/24/11 06:57 PM ET Updated: 8/24/11 07:00 PM ET
The dog of fallen Navy SEAL Officer Jon Tumilson refused to leave his owner's casket at the officer's funeral earlier this week, Animal Planet reported.
Tumilson's cousin Lisa Pembleton captured the loyal pup, Hawkeye, resting alongside Tumilson's casket at the Rockford, Iowa ceremony.
KPBS reported that the former San Diego resident was killed in the Aug. 6th Chinook helicopter crash with 29 other American service members.
Pembleton contacted KPBS's Home Post publication with this statement:
"Hawkeye is/was his loyal "son". To say that he was an amazing man doesn't do him justice. The loss of Jon to his family, military family and friends is immeasurable. I hadn't planned on taking any pictures other than with family. However, from my seat at the funeral, I felt compelled to take one photo to share with family members that couldn't make it or couldn't see what I could from the aisle. This is that photo."


Monday, August 22, 2011

Pass the popcorn - Part 2

So as usual I am seeing trailers for upcoming movies, that are really catching my attention. I like to share, so here you go :)

P.S. I have more blog posts coming. I am tired tonight, so just wanted to post a little something for now...

xoxo NDR



Sunday, August 14, 2011

Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet. ~Colette

I went to the grocery store the other day, and my roommate and I decided to park in the underground. It was a beautiful August day, sun was out, and it really felt like summer.
When we pulled into the underground, we noticed a vehicle right by the escalator. In the very back of the car, in the hatchback, sat two dogs. They were panting, and in high distress.
Of course seeing this, I immediately was upset. Why on earth would you leave your animal in a hot car? Would you leave your children in a hot car? What is the exact thought process here, because I am completely LOST. Another thing that upset me, was when I went to the customer service desk and gave them the license plate, and car model. They told me they would make an announcement. Well that never happened.
It really pisses me off, why people have animals sometimes. In some cases it has been, well my kids would love an animal, and then when the children get tired of it, or life changes, somehow the animal is left behind. Animals are the most  unconditional creatures on our planet. Why on earth would anyone want to abuse and/or neglect them?

I absolutely love seeing a dog look up at it's owner while on a walk. Waiting for what to do next.
It breaks my heart to hear about animal abuse, and I really wish we had different laws.
Word to the wise, if I see an animal in a hot car, I won't be opposed to getting it out.
I urge people to really think about why they are getting an animal, before they get one. They should be loved unconditionally, and cared for properly. They are not to be discarded, and tossed out like yesterday's garbage.

End of rant.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~Mohandas Gandhi








Sunday, August 7, 2011

Raw sugar...

Life is still happening. Whether you are sitting, standing, walking, procrastinating, laughing, crying. It's still moving.

I haven't always made the best choices in my life. I've had to learn from the mistakes I've made, and only hope that I sought out the lesson, and made it the best I could.
I'm a bit high strung at times, and maybe even a control freak. In my mind, I always strived to make everything perfect - perfect doesn't exist.
I grew up having this need for approval, constantly. I'm not sure, if it was because of my father's absence, or just not thinking I was good enough. 

Fast forward~~~~ I'm good enough. 
We all have this path that we're on, and it's full of forks in the road, and different trails. But life doesn't come with a handbook, so we are left to get through it on our instincts, and what is best for us.

My life now, has so much passion in it. Passion for understanding and growing as a person. A yearning to learn more about this fantastic world that I live in. Meeting new people, and having new experiences. I'm grateful that I have had the opportunity to have really good people in my life. Some have left, but I've realized that sometimes people weren't who you thought they were, and it's for the better.
My life right now is changing at a rapid pace from what it used to be. Different job, different direction, different views on the unknown. But I just keep telling myself "that we are never given more than what we can handle." So with that I trust.
I'm just like anybody else. I want to be happy, and do things that I love. I am okay on my own, but wouldn't mind someone to share it with. But I believe there is a plan, and I just need to have patience.

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

To everyone - Love yourself, believe in yourself, and know that it's enough.
XoXo ND

Friday, August 5, 2011

My "Go to" sites on the net...

I think we all have our list of daily websites we visit. Everyday when we turn on our computers, there always seems to be a routine, right? Check email, facebook, twitter, online banking....[Insert other websites here], and if you happen to use Hootsuite or another platform like that, you can check all your social media at ONCE! Yay!...talk about having it ALL right in front of you.

But then there are the gem websites that you stumble across. Here are some of mine. Enjoy
Have a great weekend everyone!
XoXo ND


I love everything vintage, I love everything different. Buy and Sell. I LOVE Etsy!!!
http://www.etsy.com/

Looking for inspiration. You can find it here. I absolutely adore Ted talks. I find such a comfort in this website. Hearing the stories of others is a very compelling feeling.
http://www.ted.com/

Make yourself a cup of tea...and click on the stories, quotes, advice, love, and joy of Tiny Buddha. This is one of my absolute favourites. It has everything all in one.
http://tinybuddha.com/

Pass the popcorn...

So many movies out there and not enough time! Well.... there is ALWAYS time for a good movie, but I am currently trying to finish my first ever screenplay, so a lot of my time is being put into that. There are, however, a few trailers that have caught my attention...and I wanted to share. Enjoy.
XoXo ND



Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Music is my religion ~ Jimi Hendrix

When I was growing up, music was always a staple in my house. It's where I first started to belt out the lyrics, and really find myself.
Since a young age I've loved it, and I'm sure if you ask my mom, she'll tell you that I knew what song was playing on the radio, or at least most of the lyrics ;)  Music ignites a passion in me. There has been a song for every emotion or occasion. Sometimes when I didn't have the words, a song would, and all I would have to do is listen.

“In memory everything seems to happen to music.” ~Tennessee Williams


These two bands stand out for me. Both are classic albums - One reminding me of the background music in the house growing up, and the other when I was truly in the heart of my adolescence, and trying to weave through my teenage years.


If you were to have a soundtrack to your life, who would be on it? Who has been influential to you?
XoXo ND


Monday, August 1, 2011

Come and Knock on my door...

I am a bit of a nostalgia queen. Ever since the tender age of 3 years old, I have absolutely loved the show "Three's Company"..I am really not sure what could draw a little tiny girl in like that, whether it was Jack Tripper, The Ropers, Jack's sleazy friend Larry, Chrissy's laugh, Janet yelling at Jack, or Mr. Furley about to explode, I chalk it up to having some old soul in me.
It didn't stop at just Three's Company. It was, Three's a crowd, All in Family, Archie Bunker's Place, Maude, Mel's Diner, The Jefferson's, The Carol Burnett Show, Mama's family, Silver Spoons, The Facts of Life....the list could go on and on.

There was something so classic about the time of these shows. They pushed the envelope, put issues out there, and provided genuine and genius comic relief. It pioneered the way for me.
I am so thankful for the Deja Vu Channel and Youtube ;)
If you haven't seen any of these shows, do me a favour and at least check one of them out. :)
XoXo ND

An outfit of my choosing - A girl can dream (Complete with the right music)