Austin and Everything After

On my short walk to work this morning, I started to think of the time I've spent in Austin. The whole purpose of moving here was to try my hand at cinema, and maybe discover myself along the way. I never expected to be where I am today. It seems as though every passing day holds little surprises for me, surprises for which I am so grateful.  I've been in the same building as Stan Lee (yes! Stan Lee!), met some of my favorite filmmakers (Mike White who wrote School of Rock, and Robert Rodriguez, you know, Sin City, Planet Terror), met actors, filmmakers, musicians, artists, etc. These people all have regular full-time jobs (except the previous three listed above). But what sets them apart from your average joes is their passion. How lucky are we to able to pursue our dreams? We may never make it big, but we get to do what we love! My passion is cinema, and I have been able to produce some work that has won awards. If you told me when I was younger that I would be an award-win...

I lost a friend on Sunday. His name was Frank Padilla. I met him freshmen year in high school. That's over half my life ago. That makes this 2 friends in 2 months that have passed. My heart is not strong for this. But you keep going. Rest In Peace Frank. I'll always miss the laughter, the jokes, and the crazy insane thing you did (that only those who went to high school with you knew!) I love you. Jackie

Things that have happened in the last 24 hours: Work Sleep Eat Attended a networking mixer in Austin, TX, where a local filmmaker showcased his trailer of his yet-to-be-released first feature film Got invited to a Filmmakers conference at Southwestern University in Georgetown. The keynote speaker wrote "Machete" (Robert Rodriguez's cousin). You best believe I will go up to this person, hand him my card, and introduce myself! Was asked my a writer if she can send me her screenplay so I can give advice and input on said screenplay Invited to be a production assistant for a quick spec shoot this weekend. (2 hours, no biggie). Went to a local live music show, friends were on the bill. I saw some folks I hadn't seen in about 6 months, possibly more. Time is nothing. It felt good to be back. Booked a photographer for my head shots. Made up with a good friend. Its a long story. Sleep again. Talk about an eventful day. I hadn't been involved so muc...

Do you ever just think about someone and they automatically remind you of The Beatles? Mind Blown. Speaking of The Beatles, y'all already know they are my favorite band. Whenever my mind is troubled, the sweet sounds of my favorite music always has the ability to calm what ails me. Anyone who knows me knows I always speak of my favorite album, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I'm a huge fan of their later work (1967-1970). And the poppy tunes, simplistic yet meaningful lyrics "Love, love me do, you know I love you..." caught my attention in the first place. But now, now it's much more than that. It's everything. No matter the roller coaster of life, The Beatles' music provides a certain comfort I long for. It provides familiarity when my world gets turned upside down. I prefer to be in control of my life and my emotions. I almost never enter into a situation where I know I could get hurt, or it won't be favorable for me. That's no wa...