It's amazing how people sometimes feel the exact same thing about their lives and yet they live in completely different parts of the world. I was having a "woe as me moment" this morning. Frustrated with were I was in life, and how I wasn't getting to the points I wanted to. Then I read a post by a friend of mine who was feeling the same way. Unlike my friend, I never questioned the path I chose because I've known for so long this is where I wanted to be. Writing and directing. Being the first woman to win an Oscar for best directing. These have been goals and dreams of mine for a very long time. Some would argue that tons of people have that dream. Everyday people arrive in this town hoping to be the next big thing, and just as many people leave because they never made it. I am a product of sports and I do believe that hard work and perseverance will get you to your goals.

Every time a friend or associate leaves town to begin a life in the "real world" it fuels me to dig in and not give up. Now that I've been here for a few years I'm starting to see more and more people who I arrived with, leave to start new lives. In a strange way it comforts me to know that it's not just this business or this town. That young people in many different places, doing many different things feel stuck or behind. So to them and everyone else who chased their dreams I say this.

Never give in, never give up, and never back down from your dreams.

If you want to be a science teacher, then read every science journal and start talking to your future associates about teaching tips. If you want to write for comic books then start your own series online and write, find other people who want to draw and ink. If you want to be a doctor, lawyer or even own a tailgating shop like my younger brother (lord help us) . . . find the ways to get there. We live in a wonderful time were information, content and entertainment are clicks away. As for me, I will continue to write, I will shot short films when I can, and keep hustling to get someone to represent me or want to buy my ideas. I promise.


(To my friend who wrote the post . . . thanks for inadvertently kicking my butt ;)

I'm excited to say the Oscars are expanding the Best Picture category to 10 nominees instead of 5. I can't tell you how excited I am by this. They've admitted that "Dark Knight" did weight heavily in their decision and that having 10 nominees would help quiet the rumor that the Academy voters have lost touch with the audiences.

Do I think the Academy has lost touch with the audience? On some levels yes, on others no. I agree with Bill Maher, to a point, that America sometimes isn't the smartest bulb on the planet. I'm not saying everyone should have sophisticated movie selections, I'm just saying that sometimes the average movie goers taste don't reflect a possible Best Picture.

In the last 30 years only one comedy has won Best Picture, "Shakespeare in Love" and only one animated movie, "Beauty & The Beat", has ever been nominated. This is a travesty when you go back and look at potential movies that could have been nominated with a 10 picture format.

This year I'll be pulling for "Up" to be nominated. It has been one of the most complete movies I've seen all year and just surprises you with how heartbreaking and at the same time breathtaking it could be. They truly have the formula right over at Pixar.

As we enter into "Oscar" season, I'm sure they'll be another movie or two that will get my vote for best picture. However, now that we have more nominees, "Up" better be one of them . . . or else.

:P

This post goes out to all my creative peeps. The icon makers, the story tellers, the banner bums, the drabble ditties, the wallflowers of wallpaper, the music video maestro, and to all who take their passion for a show, book, movie or idea to a creative level.

I, myself, fall into the story teller area. I loved writing AU's, the what if's, change one thing and watch the ripple effects. I loved playing around with the possibilities that never were. Then I started to notice something. That was all I was doing. I wasn't working on my professional writing or getting where I wanted to be. I had lost myself in my imagination, something I tell people to do often. That's when I did something drastic. I cut myself off cold turkey. I stopped AU's for other peoples characters, and started writing my own. While this has been very fulfilling and I have been immensely productive, I still think about the project or two that was left undone. I hate not finishing things, HATE IT.

It got me thinking about balance and all that stuff, and yes, I should go back to finishing those projects, but what I hate even more then not finishing something, is the slow death of a project. I've been a reader when a writer disappeared and suddenly a chapter popped up months later. It was great! You started to have hope that you might see another one soon. Yet months go by and nothing.

So here's my question to you all . . . Is it better to sometimes let projects go? Have you had similar projects? Is moving on better then holding on? You tell me.

(Look huggles! :: points to mood :: )

A pattern you say? Yes a pattern.

In fiction it seems I root for the couples that in any other circumstance would not end up together. My two examples, Han Solo and Princess Leia, President Roslin and Admiral Adama.

The Smuggler & The Princess - Though she was a politician, Leia Organa was a rebel. Thus she had to deal with, and broke transactions with smugglers like Han Solo. If the republic had not fallen it is safe to assume the smuggler and princess would not have met. However, because of the circumstance, because of the debt on Solo's head, they were forced to interact with each other. The begrudging relationship began, and thus comedy ensues.

The President & The Admiral - Laura was also in politics but unlike Leia she wasn't groomed to lead, in fact she didn't want to. Adama, on the other hand, was in the military and duty came above all, even family. Had it not been for the complete and utter destruction of their worlds they would not have interacted after the decommissioning ceremony. Once they discover they are the last leaders of their respective branches of service and must work together to keep humanity alive.

Now here comes the crazy comparison . . . you've been warned







Laura Roslin is the mordern day Han Solo

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.

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Yup I said it. Here's why.

Both did not want responsibility - Laura was preparing to leave the corrupt politics of Adar's administration. Han wanted to leave the rebellion and the pressures of the growing trust they were placing in him.

Both were punished for doing the "right thing" - Han was an officer in the Empire but freed the wookies when they fought back against the slavers hired by the Empire. Laura took care of the teachers strike in a way that was acceptable to everyone except Adar, because he didn't broker the deal.

Their romantic interest was slow to express their feelings - Bill waited until she was dead, Leia waited until he was about to be dead.

Both openly flirted - "Perhaps you'd like it back in your cell, your highness." "We need to start having babies."

Both happened to be morally grey at times - Laura willing to use the biological warfare on the cylons. Han's life prior to ROTJ.

So let that sink in for a few minutes before you reply that I'm crazy. (note the mood GIF)

Okay, so I promised several people I would start posting more on LJ; Z, Fatty, Maud and Penny to name a few. I always thought I was better in IM convo's then posting random babel about my day or inner thoughts. However, I am a woman of my word thus here I am.

Trin is doing her 100 favorite moments from Battlestar Galactica and it got me thinking about what my favorite moments were. There is one that always sticks out in my mind and it's small and I know I've talked about it before but it's always stuck with me. I think this was when I realized I had a girl crush on Laura Roslin/Mary McDonnell.

Laura Roslin: "Mr. Adama, aren't you going to ask me why?"
Lee Adama: "I'm sorry?"
Laura Roslin: "Why am I taking chamalla again?"
Lee Adama: "It's not strictly relevant."
Larua Roslin: "Well perhaps it's not relevant to you, but it's relevant to me."
(Pause)
Laura Roslin: "Go ahead. Ask me why. Finish what you started."
Lee Adama: "Why are you taking the chamalla again, Madame President?"
Laura Roslin: "I am taking chamalla again, because my cancer has returned."

To me this is the most badass moment she has in the series up to that point. Lee has become a benedict arnold and is publicly embarrassing his former mentor. I just remember watching that episode and giving a fist pump after the speech.

On a random note, my mood GIF is more reflective of the fact it's been raining here in LA for two days so I felt it was appropriate to use the tent scene ;)

Forced to repost by Penny (I don't know how to link her LJ profile just look on my friends page)

A meme (hey, it's a rainy afternoon *g*) to get to know all of you who are on my friends list a bit better. Answer 33 questions so I can get to know more about you, no matter if we´re already buddies or don´t talk that often, here´s your chance! and mine! ;-D

1. Can you cook?
2. What was your dream growing up?
3. What talent do you wish you had?
4. Favorite place?
5. Favorite vegetable?
6. What was the last book you read?
7. What zodiac sign are you ?
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
9. Worst Habit?
10. Do we know each other outside of lj?
11. What is your favorite sport?
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15. Tell me one weird fact about you:
16. Do you have any pets?
17. Do you know how to do the macerana?
18. What time is it where you are now?
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22. What color eyes do you have?
23. Ever been arrested?
24. Bottle or Draft?
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew?
27. What 's your favorite bar to hang at?
28. Do you believe in ghosts?
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30. Do you swear a lot?
31. Biggest pet peeve?
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

It's taken me 3 times . . . but I finally got all these Laura Roslin moods loaded!!!! Thanks to multicolor and as soon as I get back from lunch I'll put the credit in my profile.

I am not Honry, but I felt that mood should get the first showing ;)

(I wrote this last night while waiting for BSG, some of you have seen it already so I apologize for the repeat. I also apologize to Z because I know I'm missing or add too many commas) ;)


A Frakker's Lament . . .

We stand on the precipice of the final episodes. As I type this, those on the east coast are watching the premiere. Our friends in Europe are fast asleep with dreams of Cylons and Battlestars dancing through their heads. The Aussies are enjoying their mid afternoon beer while those of us on the west coast wait with baited breath.

As we've waited for the return of the show we all love, we've listened to the actors discuss their journey and how they've grown; how the bonds of friendships have been forged, families made and grown, the critical acclaim and the crushing snubs. As they have grown, so have we. Though our journey has not been as long, it quiet possibly might be as deep.

It started with a mini series that at some point, whether it be on the night it aired or years later, captured our imagination and ignited in us a desire to watch a group of characters that we identify with. Some with the hero, others with the villain. Yet if there's one thing Battlestar has taught us it is that the lines between good and evil are always blurred. The good guy does bad things and the bad guy some how, even by accident, redeems themselves. Perhaps it wasn't a character but one of the many thought provoking episodes that made us stop and ask "What would I do?" that caused you to tune in every week. No matter how you were hooked, you never let go.

And over time your allegiances were won over by Cylon or human, Colonial Fleet or civilian, pilot or delegate. You cared for them and their lives enough to want to find others who shared your passion. You sought out your on Battlestar family so that you weren't going through it alone. Your anguish and joys became theirs, as their triumphs and defeats became yours. Through excruciatingly long hiatuses, a labor strike and rumors of early cancelations you waited with your family. Mused over rumors and contemplated positioning of people in pictures.

Years from now, when the ink of fan fiction no longer dabbles in the universe of BSG, the life on New Caprica, the "What if's" of your favorite couple, or the Alternate Universes, the echoes of their words will carry with you. As your passion transfers to new characters and new relationships, new stories and plots, new families and friends, you'll stop, and for a fleeting moment the memories of this show will burn. Discussion will turn to debate and comparison of your new love with your old one.

We will never be free of it . . . nor do we wish to be.

Savor what little we have left of this show. Like a fine wine it has permeated our souls and filled us with content that may never be matched within our life time. No matter the conclusion, the journey, I can say without trepidation, has been worth it.

So Say We All