10 Items or Less!

Some of you know that Morgan Freeman is in Vancity filming - he's been spotted cruising around town... Well if you run into him - tell him, from me that I LOVED him in this little Indie Film!

10 Items or Less written and directed by Brad Silberling (who also directed City of Angels) is a short sweet film that feels like a documentary... The dialogue between the two characters Morgan Freeman & Paz Vega (from Spanglish fame) is so real and the plot - A day in the life of a Film Star who gets trapped by a Production Assistant in East LA while researching a film role is just endearing - Two thumbs up ;P

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Up Above My Head

Bridges of Madison County - 1995

This film was on today while I worked on my first draft of Treading Water about a small town girl who leaves her ordinary world and boards a cruise ship... There is a scene in this film that strikes a chord with me, because I've had this conversation before. Here's an example of great writing:

CUT BACK TO:

1965   INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Francesca sips her brandy. Robert sits in the easy chair.         

FRANCESCA 

Do you mind if I... ask you why you got divorced?        

ROBERT    

Not at all. I wasn't around much... So why did I get married? Well, I thought it was a good idea at the time. Have a home base. Roots. You can get lost moving around so much.         

FRANCESCA    

So what happened?         

ROBERT    

I never got lost. For some reason, I'm more at home everywhere than at one place. So I decided I'll think of myself as some kind of world citizen. I belong everywhere and nowhere. I'm kin to everyone, and no one in particular. See, once you get into the habit of not needing anyone, it's kind of hard to break.         

FRANCESCA    

You must get lonely at times.         

ROBERT    

Never touch the stuff. I've got friends all over the world. Good friends I can see when I want, if I want.         

FRANCESCA    

Woman friends, too?         

ROBERT    

I'm a loner, I'm not a monk. 

Francesca averts her eyes, before continuing her investigation.         

FRANCESCA

You really don't need anyone?         

ROBERT    

No, I think I need everyone! I love people. I want to meet them all! I just think there are too many out there saying "This is mine." or "She's mine." Too many lines have been drawn. World's breaking apart because of man's weakness for some testosterone conquests over territory and power and people. He wants control over what deep down he knows he has no control over whatsoever and it scares him silly.         

FRANCESCA    

Why doesn't it scare you?         

ROBERT    

I embrace Mystery. I don't know what's coming. And I don't mind.        

FRANCESCA

    Do you ever regret it? The divorce, I mean.           

ROBERT

No.           

FRANCESCA    

Do you ever regret not having a family?         

ROBERT    

Not everybody's supposed to have a family.         

FRANCESCA    

But -- how can you just live for what you want? What about other people?         

ROBERT    

I told you, I love other people.         

FRANCESCA    

But no one in particular.         

ROBERT    

No. But I love them just the same.         

FRANCESCA    

But it's not the same.         

ROBERT    

That's not what you're saying. I know it's not the same. What you're saying is, it's not as good. Or it's not as normal or proper.         

FRANCESCA    

No, I'm just saying --         

ROBERT (interrupting) 

I'm a little sick of this American Family Ethic everyone seems to be hypnotized by in this country. I guess you think I'm just some poor displaced soul doomed to roam the earth without a self-cleaning oven and home movie.         

FRANCESCA (irritated) 

Just because someone chooses to settle down and have a family doesn't necessarily mean they're hypnotized. Just because I've never seen a gazelle stampede doesn't mean I'm asleep in the world.

ROBERT  

Do you want to leave your husband? Francesca is completely stunned and thrown off guard.         

FRANCESCA    

No. Of course not. 

(rising, upset) 

Beat. 

Awkward silence. 

Suddenly there is tension between them.         

ROBERT    

My mistake. I apologize.         

FRANCESCA    

What made you ask such a question?         

ROBERT    

I thought that's what we were doing -- asking questions.      

FRANCESCA (defensive) 

I thought we were just having a conversation. You seem to be reading all this meaning into it. Meanings I must be too simple to, uh... interpret or something.         

ROBERT    

I already apologized. 

Silence. 

Robert remains seated. 

Francesca remains at the sink. 

(cont'd) 

It's getting late. 

(rises) 

Thank you for dinner. 

If you recall... later in the film Francesca calls Robert on his bullshit... because it's all a lie - no one wants to be alone, I agree. P.

Ode to my Hairy Monster... Express Yourself!

Are you Carrots, Eggs or Coffee?

Yet another reason to enjoy a cup of Joe!

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it, she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without say ing a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE ;P

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I just want to be OK be OK be OK today...

Quote of the Month...

When I come to the edge of all the light I have, and I must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, I believe that one of two things will happen to me: either there will be something solid for me to stand on, or I will be taught how to fly.

By Unknown... Forwarded to me by Miss Barbara at the moment I needed it most :P

Mt. Rainier puts on a show!

These clouds are called "lenticular clouds" They're caused when the air flow is just right so when it flows over Mt. Rainier Washington, the air gets pushed upward where it cools and condenses into clouds. Depending on how smooth the flow is, you can get some amazing clouds formations as we've seen so far this week. Pretty Amazing!

By Scott Sistek.

Cougars Cougars Everywhere...

Cougar Barbie

JR | MySpace Videos

As I finish my Cougar Mountain Treatment and watch episodes of the new hit show Cougar Town, I believe it is fitting to post this clip - power to the 40 year olds :P

Thanks Laura!

Super Brain Yoga - 3 mins. a Day!

Okay, I don't know about you - but it can't hurt! ;P

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September 2009 - what went wrong?!

According to my HOROSCOPE Susan Miller's Astrology Zone:

This is one of those wild ride months where you may wish you had stayed in bed. If you should ever feel this way, know that you have plenty of company from the rest of the signs.

The best way to handle September is to not launch anything new, sign a contract, make commitments, or form any big plans. It's a month to watch and wait, not initiate. Most of the gang of planets that will be arguing with one another in mid-month will be in your third and ninth houses, ruling your attitudes and opinions, thoughts and reflections. These houses also rule study, communication, teaching, and intellect. These are considered gentle houses, so you are fortunate, for other signs will be dealing with a great deal more than you.

You will do best to think outside the box and to see the world with a fresh, new perspective. You need to do this to develop untried ways to attack old problems. If something sounds too good to be true, be skeptical and consider turning it down. Planets in Virgo suggest that a large measure of reality will be presented to each of us. You will be challenged to be as practical and grounded as possible.

Actually, all month Mercury will be retrograde, so aside from this very difficult day, incorrect or misleading data will scramble things. It won't be easy to tell what to believe and what to discard. That's why you have no choice but to move slowly. Mercury also rules travel, but with these planets battling in your two travel sectors, your third house and ninth, it would be unwise to be on the road - aside from September's first week and days surrounding the full moon, September 4, which could actually be excellent. If you can put off until later a trip you need to take, do so, and make it for October.

Californication - Season 3 Begins Tonight!

Get Inspired Vancouver! It's coming...

Web Cam Creativity

Lisa Hannigan - I Don't Know

The Best Thing About Sundays at 2pm...

THE ACTOR'S STUDIO

with James Lipton on Bravo.

Vancouver Film School - I Survived TERM 2

Six weeks ago, I said I had been in "heaven" this last six weeks felt more like hell! No, not really but school certainly ramped up... which meant more deadlines and less sleep which resulted in more stress. Hence the moment I stopped this pace, my body decided to crash. C'est la vie.

In Script Genre - Crime we explored Film Noir every week, reading, analyzing and watching such films as:

• Double Indemnity which has the snappiest dialogue, second to His Girl Friday. Recently I had the pleasure of reading Conversations with Wilder by Cameron Crowe, a worthy read if you are a fan like myself.

• Butch Cassidy & The Sun Dance Kid This film's commentary about the fact that nothing stays the same, everything must evolve is expertly written by William Goldman. The fact that our two anti-heros have to die because they refuse to adapt to the new world is a powerful statement. On a personal note, I remember seeing this film with my parents - I was 4 in 1969 and my favorite song that year was most definitely Rain Drops Keep Fallin' On My Head. Funny watching that film now, the romantic sequence where this song was played was the one element that I found could have been edited out of the film because of how it dates it.

• Chinatown - Holy Crap... I haven't seen this film in years and I don't think I actually ever saw the WHOLE thing. It was a great read and even a better view. Every actor was at their peak as far as I can tell. Last thing I'll say is the reveal really "slaps" you in the face ;{

• Goodfellas a Martin Scorsese classic! I loved reading this script it was like reading a novel. His character detail and action description was masterful. Plus the use of double character voice over is so rare the exposition gives us such a great insight into the gangster underworld - loved it.

• Seven which I found brutally disturbing back in 1995 when my then husband dragged me to it because the opening score was done by his then favorite: Nine Inch Nails - which I found at the time just as disturbing (but oddly not so much anymore). That said, the script was an awesome read, a true thriller thru and thru. It was said by my 'in the know' gal pal Laura that this film was ahead of it's time, not getting it's true recognition due to it's violent content. Which when compared to the "Torture Porn" out there today is surprising.

• Pulp Fiction was great to revisit during the popularity rise of Quentin Tarantino due to the current success of Inglorious Bastards. Follow this link (thanks to Miss Barbara) to view a great and insightful and informative interview with QT and Charlie Rose, see quote below...

In Dialogue I really got that my experience in Hospitality & Tourism has afforded me communication skills that I take for granted. In my day job (presently weekend gig) I talk and or listen to people talk - all day, so I did not find this task challenging. Though in the past my fear of writing dialogue was an issue - so it was nice to leap that hurdle.

In TV Spec Script we chose an existing television show that we were familiar with and wrote an episode of our own. The purpose of this is to not chose a show you wish to become a staff writer for, but show that in theory is of the same style of shows you would like to write for. I chose Entourage because it is on HBO and so are the shows I love (in addition to Showtime & AMC and Bravo & Showcase in Canada). TV Spec Scripts are used to demonstrate your writing ability and are an important component of a screenwriters portfolio. The thing I learned about myself here was that I could channel Ari Gold at 2am! It appears that I am just too polite to be that vulgar in the daylight but in the wee hours of the morning it pours out of me - not sure if that is good or bad.

In Basic Tools we developed 3 feature script pitches (1 page ea.), then narrowed those down to 2 outlines (5 pages ea.) and then chose one idea to draft into a treatment (25 pages). A treatment is a mini script without dialogue or directional queues. This was our hardest course to date due to having our treatments workshopped in class. This is an amazing process and at times could be creatively fertile, but it also was an exercise in patience. That said, I think I learned more about myself here than in any other course this term, which was very valuable.

Lastly in Writing for Animation I pitched an Episodic Children's (6-11) Cartoon named Grateful about a Kauaiian Chicken (who else) who was raised by people (giants) in house - as a pet. He looks like a chicken, sounds like a chicken, but doesn't know he's a chicken. He gets accidently left behind when his family moves and quickly learns he does not fit into his new reality - outdoors. He sees thru different eyes and with the coaching of a wise old Pueo (Hawaiian Owl), ends up being a conduit between his two worlds sharing a different perspective that contributes to all. Though it's not easy, he is not always appreciated or accepted by the other chickens who have only ever done things the way things have always been done, hence conflict. They don't trust him because of his fair coloured feathers but in the end when he stops trying to "blend" and is true to himself he gains their respect and becomes a leader within his community and a mentor to younger chickens.

Quentin Tarantino on Charlie Rose 09/12/09

When asked, "What is it about Cinema?" he answers...

Well one of the things about cinema that I just find very moving, it's why it's my favorite art form, is to me when you go to a movie and you see a certain sequence and if there is real cinematic power and cinematic flair (there are certain film makers out there that you feel were touched by God to make movies) it will be a combination of editing and sound, usually visual images connected with music or something but when those things work and they really really connect (i.e. the final gun fight sequence in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - a sequence I can't ever imagine topping) it's like you forget to breath. You are really transported to a different place, and music doesn't quite do that on it's own, and novels don't quite do it, and a painting doesn't quite do it, they do it their way certainly, but in cinema especially if you're in a theatre and you are sharing the experience with a bunch of other people so there's this mass thing going on, ah... it's just truly, truly, thrilling. And if the movie is more than that, if there's a lot underneath, if there is more there, there and you go out and have a piece of pie and coffee and you talk about it, you find there is more to talk about.

I couldn't have said it better... Some of my favorite memories with my father are going for coffee and pie after a seeing a film and talking. xo P.

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MAD MEN Don't Miss Season 3 - Tonight!

I love, love, love this show... It quietly makes it's point about the beginning of the 1960's. It reminds me of how far we've come - women in the workforce, political correctness, nylon's! That said, martinis at lunch look fun :P

This is not a love story. This is a story about love.

500 Days of Summer "An offbeat romantic comedy about a girl (Deschanel) who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man (Gordon-Levitt) who falls for her." This is a magical little film and a must see for all those tired of the formulaic romantic comedies out this summer. You gotta love when they break the rules... So good!

Since its Sundance debut, (500) Days of Summerhas delighted both moviegoers and critics with its clever approach to "Boy meets girl." The film has been hailed by some critics as "this generation's Annie Hall" and is largely based on writer Scott Neustadter's relationship past.

'Tis the season...

Well, it's Wedding Season... and this little animated video was created by VFS Students:

Brief Guide About Bridesmaids was created in the Digital Design program at Vancouver Film School by students Yaniv Fridman, Nicolas Alexander and Amber Mackay, working in collaboration with writer Jennica Harper. The piece gained attention right away - even screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

The designers wanted the video to be fun, friendly and unique. Traditional visual style in bridal magazines and sites is high-end photography, but for this production the designers went the other direction. To illustrate and animate the historical moments, they opted for a colorful, stylized retro look inspired by classic toys.

Alan Dessy, president of the Dessy Group, screened the film shortly after it was first released, and forged an alliance with the school and the students to publish this delightful work for Dessy's customers and to the trade in the bridal industry. The piece is timeless and fun, and will be viewed by countless new brides, their friends and family for years to come.

http://www.bridesmaidsguide.com/

Take a Drive 'round Kauai...

Those of you who have visited me on Kauai know why it's my favorite place on the planet... Here's a clip that gives those who haven't have the privilege to take this 2-1/2 hour drive from top to bottom - hold on! Xo P.

Karen Blixen - Out of Africa - 1937

"I am not a novelist, really not even a writer; I am a storyteller. One of my friends said about me that I think all sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story or tell a story about them, and perhaps this is not entirely untrue. To me, the explanation of life seems to be its melody, its pattern. And I feel in life such an infinite, truly inconceivable fantasy."

Favourite Quotes:

The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea.

There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.

People who dream when they sleep at night know of a special kind of happiness which the world of the day holds not, a placid ecstasy, and ease of heart, that are like honey on the tongue. They also know that the real glory of dreams lies in their atmosphere of unlimited freedom. 

Story Terms:

Willing Suspension of Disbelief

Deus ex Machina

Inciting Incident

Turning Point

Obstacle

Complication

Progressive Complications

Reversal

Crisis

Climax

Resolution

Denumount

Senses

Images of blue and green

dance in my minds eye.

I sit waist deep on a salty shore

experiencing the rhythm wash over me

like a breeze.

Tastes of pleasure come in all shapes

but only my choice delays my appetite.

Grains of texture dance on my tongue

and challenge my flavor memories

until next time. 

Touching the earth that springs forth life

I tint my skin with amber stain.

Breath is held to listen to the

valley’s womb overflowing with

savory sweet foam.

The scent of bitter sweetness 

stings my nose with a twinge of regret

and I fear that one day I will be called away 

from my place of wonder and joy.

Until next time.

 Here's to creating possibilities and living a life you love! Xo P.

Vancouver Film School - I Survived TERM 1

In the last six weeks I have been in heaven... I have read, watched, analyzed, talked about and pitched a TON of films. For example:

Some Like it Hot

His Girl Friday

Atonement

My Bloody Valentine

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Working Girl

Big

Maltese Falcon

Sense & Sensability

Bart & Fink

Witness

All About Eve

My Bloody Valentine

Twighlight

Rear Window

Pirates of the Caribbean

Good Will Hunting

Fargo

The Graduate

About a Boy

Broke Back Mountain

Sunset Boulevard

Network

The Hours

Is there rhyme or reason behind these titles? No, not at ALL... Each class was different:

• Script Genre - Comedy
  
• Short Script
• Story
• Character
• Writing Style
• Biz Format
• Short Pitch
• Long Pitch

I can't believe I made it! Stay tuned for next Term...

Starting with Basic Tools - where I get to develop 3 features scripts to pitch, then narrow it down to 2 outlines, of which one will be chosen to take to a treatment stage.

Dialogue - will help me get the words to sound the way people actually talk!

Script Genre: Crime - I can't wait to see what films we will be studying ;P

TV Spec Script - I have already chosen to Spec: Entourage, Mad Men and Californication!

Writing for Animation - maybe, just maybe Chicken Skin will become a animated short ;P

Stay Tuned... xo P.

Laura Doyle - Your Love

Laura Doyle is my new teacher... We met today in a TV Spec Class! Talk about a full circle moment... I remember buying this song back when I was addicted to Dawson's Creek! FUN... Check out more of Laura's music on her MySpace Page...

Good Will Hunting

Tonight I watched Good Will Hunting... Yes, for school, but God I love this film. The polarity between working class Boston and the educated world of Harvard & M.I.T. is perfectly crafted in the characters Will vs. Skylar and Sean vs. Lambeau - awesome! If you haven't seen it lately - do. Here's a reminder: 

SEAN (Robin Williams) to WILL (Matt Damon)

My wife's been dead two years, Will. And when I think about her, those are the things I think about most. Little idiosyncrasies that only I knew about. Those made her my wife. And she had the goods on me too. Little things I do out of habit. People call these things imperfections Will. It's just who we are. And we get to choose who we're going to let into out weird little worlds. You're not perfect. And let me save you the suspense, this girl you met isn't either. The question is, whether or not you're perfect for each other. You can know everything in the world, but the only way you're findin' that one out is by giving it a shot. You sure won't get the answer from an old fucker like me. And even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you.

The Writer's Journey...

This week in Film School I read the book - The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler. It's a fascinating read, based on the mythic story structure of Joseph Campbell. 

Here's a taste of the 12 stages of a HERO's Journey:

1. Ordinary World - The journey starts in the hero's normal world before the story begins.

2. Call to Adventure - The hero is presented with a problem, challenge or adventure to undertake.

3. Refusal of the Call - The hero refuses the challenge or journey, usually out of fear.

4. Meeting with the Mentor - The hero meets a mentor to gain confidence, advice or training to face the adventure.

5. Crossing the First Threshold - The hero crosses the gateway that separates the ordinary world from the special world.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies - The hero faces tests, meets allies, confronts enemies & learns the rules of the Special World.

7. Approach - The hero has hit setbacks during tests & may need to reorganize his helpers or rekindle morale with mentor's rally cry. Stakes heightened. 

8. Ordeal - The biggest life or death crisis - the hero faces his greatest fear & only through "death" can the hero be "reborn" experiencing even greater powers to see the journey to the end.

9. Reward - The hero has survived death, overcomes his greatest fear and now earns the reward he sought. 

10. The Road Back - The hero must recommit to completing the journey & travel the road back to the Ordinary World. The dramatic question is asked again. 

11. Resurrection - The hero faces most dangerous meeting with death - this shows the hero can apply all the wisdom he's brought back to the Ordinary World.

12. Return with Elixir - The hero returns from the journey with the "elixir", so everyone in the world can use to heal physical or emotional wounds.

It's funny, I recognize these stages in the films I love (the ones that inspire), people I've met (many who I have mentored) and specifically my own life experiences. I have been "Called to Adventure" many times, and have left the "Ordinary World" behind.

Film School is once again a new journey full of goals and challenges. Here's to the roller coaster ride ahead, overcoming fears and "Returning with the Elixir"! xo P.

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This is my MOM - how CUTE is she?

My mother was the same age I am today, at the time this photo was taken!

I owe her everything... It's her sacrifices, past and present

that have allowed me my independence 

and made me the person that I am.

Thanks Mom, I love you! Xo T.

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Congratulations to the winner of THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!!!

It's funny, Ben's video (below) was the first I saw, when I decided to throw my hat into the ring... A friend had emailed it to me stating, "Here's an example of a successful candidate". It was obvious to the organizers that Ben had what it took long before the deadline, and it's great to see that he was the winner of all of the challenges in Queensland!

Today I learned...

When asked to name my Favorite movie off the top of my head, I said:

And when asked what my Guilty Pleasure Favorite film was, I said:

Now that I am in full time film school, my greatest pleasure has been realized - I get to talk about films every day! I get to watch, dissect, pitch and learn about my passion with others just as obsessed. Life is Good! Xo P.

Canada Tourism Rocks!

Here's to summer kayaking in English Bay... It's just around the corner - fingers crossed ;P

Sixteenth Century Soap Opera!

After watching a marathon of The Tudors (introduced to me by the lovely Miss Jessica), a dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII, I just had to share. I loved this series... So bad, yet so good! If like me, you are inspired to investigate the timeline of this period click here to view a Showtime Special Feature created by the writers of the series. Each period has a documentary explaining each decade of Henry the VIII's reign - fascinating!

My new obsession also had me researching the creator Michael Hirst  who turned out to be the writer of the 1998 film Elizabeth with Cate Blanchet!

"Declared illegitimate aged 3. Tried for treason aged 21. Crowned Queen aged 25."

As well as the 2007 film Elizabeth: The Golden Age also starring Cate Blanchet. 

"A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments."

Both films I thoroughly enjoyed. If you did as well... be sure to watch The Tudors on Showtime Sunday Nights at 9pm.

The Best Job IN THE WORLD Update...

FINAL 16 APPLICANTS ANNOUNCED!

Click here to see their profiles only 17 days left before these applicants go to Hamilton Island for their interviews. Sigh...

My guess is Anjaan or Yi. 

Everyone is great but these guys come from demographics 

that are applying for Passports faster than any other Countries.

That said, James is very sweet, personable and Australian!

I'll be watching like the rest of the world 

and wish them all LUCK!

xo P.

Plain White Ts - Hey There Delilah... ohOHohOHoh... ohOHohOHoh... Ohoh...

I love this little song... It reminds me of Sanja and Robbie in Kauai, who as I recall bonded over youtube interpretations ;P Love & miss you both! xo P.

I think I have been here before?

I have been at several turning points in my life, which is why I recognize the signs. Several times I have asked myself the three questions, that according to Steve Harvey - The Comedian, drive all men: 

Who am I? What am I? How much money do I make? 

I obviously believe this drives many a modern day woman too... Each transition came down to me making a choice. The paths I chose for better or worse, I do not regret, though I do believe they led me away from my possible destiny.

The first time I was 26, home 2 years from the security of my work/live/travel life that was my experience onboard cruise ships. The transition from sea to land was not easy, struggling to make a shipboard romance into an earthbound relationship only got more difficult when trying to find myself doing odd jobs such as selling diet plans, merchandising fashion and even drafting. But as fate would have it these odd jobs lead me to the film industry! 

Being influenced by friends in the business and after taking a few courses at the Vancouver Film School: Introduction to Film and Art Direction, (so I wouldn't make a fool of myself on set) I started as a permittee in the Set Dec Department and found a place I fit! I had natural talent and more importantly, the ability to listen! As I moved up through the ranks from truck swamper, to dresser, to buyer, to assistant, I could foresee a chain of promotions in various Art Department positions that would fulfill my need for all things new, exciting and creative! The bonus was that the jobs had a beginning, middle and end! A work pattern I learned to relish from my past tourism contracts. Work hard... take a break... work hard... take a holiday!

I LOVED going to work, even the 16 hours days were fine by me... The first day I walked onto a set I felt like I had come "home". I couldn't explain it... Maybe it was growing up glued to family sitcoms or the fact that I moved a dozen times as a child into new homes, giving me a chance to learn how to decorate, whatever the case, it just felt right.

Who was I? Trish!

What was I? A Set Decorator in Training...

How much did I make? $700 a week!!!

Isn't it funny, when you know what you want, the Universe tests your committment... This is when I met my husband. On one hand I had the potential of a career that fulfilled all of my professional desires, on the other a committed relationship with a man that "on paper" had all of the values, qualities and physical attributes I had been looking for in a partner. Hmm... Well as many gals approaching 30 I chose marriage, two weeks before my 29th birthday and didn't look back! I quit my job declaring it wasn't "conducive" to a relationship and began a home based event planning business to use my film industry contacts and dove head first into my new life!

Who was I? Tricia - but what last name do I use?

What was I? A wife.

How much did I make? It didn't matter, we were a team!

I rationalized leaving my Set Dec "Team" saying things like, "those people don't have a life", "those people don't have long term relationships", "those people don't have security". When in the end it was me who was left with none of this... 

The second time I was faced with a life/career defining choice, I was 36. Almost 2 years to the day after my messy divorce from my fantasy marriage, I stumbled, wounded, back on track. A little worse for wear but with a new purpose. I was craving a creative outlet... During the divorce process, which I managed from afar in Whistler, I learned to stop downloading to my ever so tolerant friends, and vent on paper about all of the highs and lows of my change in circumstance, surprisingly, with a new found sense of humor! It was then that I looked into the writing program offered at the Vancouver Film School, to enter a different array of this industry I loved so much.

I spent months pouring over the online details and requirements for a Writing Program Scholarship because you see, my divorce left me not only wounded but broke. To accommodate the application process, I moved from Whistler back to Vancouver and even applied for "student status" at my Co-Op so I could afford paying a subsidized rent on a part time salary. I wrote a 2 page personal profile, a 5 page introductory essay, 3 creative writing samples and a feature film synopsis. I submitted these as requested with my resume, copies of my identification and 2 letters of reference. Then I waited... 

But no... I was not one of the chosen few. You may say, this choice was made for me - but I was not ready to give up. I accepted my circumstance and took a job back in the hotel industry to afford taking the part time evening classes offered at VFS: The History of Film and Screenwriting I & II.

Over my first year of back to the city employment, I struggled with the demanding task of starting up a hotel from scratch, while maintaining my part time studies. Eventually the job became less demanding and rather than get back on track with my hobby of documenting the world around me, I relaxed into my environment. Years passed, my position evolved and so did I. I moved into the hotel and lived the life of Madeleine, this gave me the disposable income required to once again travel and explore! I also explored... being single, loved and lost, but in the end gained valuable and note worthy life experience. 

That said, when I wasn't keeping myself busy and I gave myself time to stop and dream, I would dream about my stories, the ones that were tucked away in a drawer, would they ever be produced? Like children each story had it's own personality, it's own voice and message. Like a proud parent I hoped I would one day watch them leave home and make their way in the world contributing to those who took the time to get to know them.

Who was I? Tricia or Patricia?

What am I? A Hotel Manager?

How much money do I make? Enough?

These questions lead me to my third transition, when I moved to Kauai! Yes, a dream come true... Though if you have never lived on a tropical Island let me tell you... You become far too busy living life to sit down and write about it. When I left the mainland, I took a large pay cut due to the fact that my job managing a very small property would be part time instead of full time. The plan was to once again get back "on track" and focus on my writing! 

Well... as previously implied, I accomplished very little. This is not to say, I did not have the time of my life and in the process collect the most amazing stories! I envisioned myself as the next Peter Mayle documenting all of the quirky local characters I encountered in my Village. Then again, the more I was accepted I found the prospect of airing the laundry of my new found friends and neighbors less appealing. As I became a member of the community, and was honored with the title of "Auntie", then I wouldn't dare think about writing anything that could or would possibly offend my family! 

I never wanted to leave... I could completely envision my stress free future with sunny days that began with sunrise tai chi followed by a kona coffee beach walk, and ended star gazing, smelling night jasmine and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean. So, I made a choice... I chose to stay, give back my company's laptop and not look back.

But as fate would have it, this dream did not last. My property was sold and without a work visa or green card, I had to move home to begin my next chapter, this chapter. How timely is this recession, I have to say?! When you're like me and you rely on the tourism industry for your bread and butter you take a hit, when individuals and company's stay home and explore their own back yard. 

Over the last 4 months I have applied for and/or pitched myself for 25 different jobs... Defeated in my attempts to find a fabulous hospitality/tourism job abroad or even in this city for that matter, I now find myself once again in question. Do I continue to beat a dead horse or do I take this opportunity of time, in Vancouver, and make a different choice? It's amazing when you have time to sit and reflect on who you are, what you want to do and how much you want to make... 

I find myself writing every day - I am FULL of ideas, concepts and stories. Stories for books, television and film! I also find myself a little older, a litter wiser and having the same dreams of being a successful writer. So, for the first time in a long time, I am making a choice to be who I want to be rather than who I can be. 

Next month, I will experience a full circle moment starting the Writing for Film & Television Program as a full time student at none other than my old friend - The Vancouver Film School. They say, third time's the charm... Wish me luck!

Last night I went to see a film, The International with Clive Owen & Naomi Watts. There is a line near the end where Armin Mueller-Stahl's character: Wilhelm Wexler says, "Sometimes you find your destiny on the road you took to avoid it". I had to laugh... 

                                            Who am I?           P.          

What am I?           A Writer!

How much will I make?         The sky is the limit! 

 xo P.

Tales from the Hives...

Some of you know that I rave about the Honey in Kauai... It's one of the first things I pick up at the farmer's market the first Saturday I am in Hanalei. Now that I am back in Canada , it is just a fond memory but my resourceful girlfriend Laura found me the next best thing - online! 

From: http://chefshop.com

Sometimes we forget how great it is just to work. As we stepped cautiously into 2009, we were able to take a quick trip to the Big Island, Hawai'i. This is where our friends, the wonderful people who make the Big Island Bees buzz, reside - Garnett, the artisanal beekeeper, and Whendi, the artist who fills the jars with the island wonder.

With great graciousness they took time out of their busy lives and spent a day taking us out and about to see the bees, who were busy pollinating the great Macadamia Orchards for the big nut farms of Hawai'i. It was wonderful! To be one with the trees and to see the bees was a special treat. 

Click on this link to read more about the product and to see some pictures.... Order today - trust me! A teaspoon in your tea, coffee or heck just on a spoon will make you smile ;P

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