Among The Stars - Diane Amos

You know you have made it in Hollywood when people stop you on the street because they recognize your work. This is happening to me more and more lately. So much so, I had to do a bit about it in my comedy act. I talk about the person who came up to me and said, "I know you, you're an actress. I just saw your commercial. Aren't you the Pine Sol Lady?" When the audience stops laughing, I say, "That's right baby. It's the Power of Pine Sol." More laughter. What most people don't know is, the Pine Sol Lady (Diane Amos) is a very good friend of mine. We met at the Phoenix airport somewhere around 1999 or the year 2000 when we were both scheduled to work as comics at a resort in Sonora Bay, Mexico. We hung out together for that whole week and have been buddies ever since. She actually lives in San Francisco, but comes to Los Angeles frequently to do Pine Sol spots and other work. Every time she's in town I feel like I'm on vacation. We do all my favorite things: hang out at hotels, eat, shop, laugh and play cards. She likes this card game called Slick which nobody else I know plays. I've been trying to beat her at it for years now. We always get together with her other girlfriends and we just have the best time. Diane is one of the most grounded and fo’ real sistas I know.

With all of her celebrity status she is never phony or pretentious. When we're together we talk about real life stuff: our families, some politics, current events or whatever is going on in the moment. We hardly ever talk about the business, toot our own horns and we definitely don't name drop or gossip. It's so refreshing to have a friend like that in this industry. I always know where I stand with her. This sista does not play.
What I learn from Diane is that you can make it in this industry and live a centered life. She is very sure about who she is: a wife, a mother, an actress, a good friend and so much more. 

After all these years of being friends, I finally had some time for a long visit with her and her family. It was right after Christmas for my birthday and New Years. Not only did I see San Francisco like never before but for my birthday she threw a party for me! My cousin was in town from Atlanta and she welcomed her with open arms & if that wasn’t enough, she performed stand-up on New Year’s Eve with two other comics I know. I was a great show and a great way to start the year.

I am so grateful to be a part of her sisterhood. Now that's the Power of Pine Sol baby.

An Actor's Library - STILL ALICE

I had heard about this book from a couple of people and had it on my book list. When I stumbled upon it in the bookcase where my mom lives, I thought it was a sign that I must read it, so I did. STILL ALICE is a beautifully written novel about an extremely high-functioning woman who has developed early on-set Alzheimer’s told from her point of view.

Becoming a recent caregiver for my mother who is showing signs of early memory loss herself, I have been learning all I can about this disease and how to care for her. I can easily identify with the characters in the book who are family members (especially the actress daughter), but what was most intriguing was how Lisa Genova was able to capture the experience from the afflicted person’s point of view. There were times when as a reader, I thought the author had made a mistake only to find out that we were seeing the world through the eyes of Alice.

I enjoyed reading the facts presented as a story and not clinically and it gives me hope that because there seems to be knowledge of what causes this disease, a cure must certainly be on the way.

This is not an easy road for anyone involved, but this novel lets us know we are not alone and reminds us of the compassion that is needed in helping our loved ones (and ourselves) through this.

Note:  Julianne Moore plays the renowned linguistics professor, Dr. Alice Howland, in the film.

Ask A Stage Goddess - TIP OF THE DAY

I have been inspired by author and producer Nikki Woods to video myself doing a behind the scenes Tip of the Day.
I got so excited by the idea that I offered myself a challenge: 30 Tips in 30 Days. It's becoming a glimpse at various moments and activities in my day to day life in Hollywood.
In this tip, I mention one of my favorite charities, A Window Between Worlds.
These little spots are short and sweet. I wouldn't mind if you took  moment to SUBSCRIBE or leave a comment on my YouTube channel and while you're there why not take a tour and enjoy some of my other videos.
Thanks for watching!

An Actor's Pantry - CRACK BROWNIES

After an extremely emotional break-up in 2004, I found myself once again searching for healing among the pages of self help books. This time it was It's Called A BreakUp Because It's Broken by Greg Bernhendt & Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt. What I didn't expect to find was a recipe that would soon become my favorite to prepare and the favorite of everyone who tasted this unique blend of flavors. I love to watched people try to figure out the ingredients and then they ask for the recipe.
By the way, despite the title no illegal substances are ever used in the preparation of this tasty treat! After your first bite, I'll let you tell me why they are called Crack Brownies.

Fresh out of the oven!

50 light caramels
1/3 cup skim evaporated milk                                                     

1 package German chocolate cake mix

3/4 cup melted butter (not margarine
1/3 cup skim evaporated milk (yes, another 1/3 cup)            
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semisweet)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In heavy saucepan, combine caramels and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Grease and flour a 9" X 13" baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, melted butter, and the other 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Stir by hand until the dough holds together. Divide dough in half and press (by hand) first half of dough into prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Pour caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Crumble the other half of the dough over caramel layer. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove and cool for 15 minutes, then cut into squares. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Return to refrigerator when not eating, as they get goopy at room temperature.

The purpose of this recipe in the book was to get you out of the house and stop boring your friends at parties with your break-up drama. Instead, bring this dessert and make a pact to talk about them, not you. What happens is, everyone wants to talk about these brownies and you end up on that host's guest list forever!

Among The Stars - CICELY TYSON

I have always admired the life and career of Cicely Tyson. Just this week I had the pleasure of seeing her brilliant performance in the play The Trip To Bountiful at the Ahmanson Theatre.  

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Tyson at one of my award show stand-in jobs. I watched her rehearse and when she was finished, I decided to introduce myself in the hopes of getting some words of wisdom from this legendary artist. I walked up to her, "Ms. Tyson?". She turned toward me very attentively and I continued, "I'm nobody important but I just wanted to say....." She instantly cut me off, "Baby, never ever say you're nobody. You ARE somebody important and don't you ever forget it." I tried to laugh it off and continue, "Oh I know but..." She turned her head and went on about her business. She was through with me. Words of wisdom is what I wanted and words of wisdom is what I got even though it wasn't in the way I had imagined. And I WILL never forget it. Lesson? Words have power, you are what you speak. Be A Star Where You Are.

An Actor's Library - theWARofART

This book was recommended to me a couple of times and I finally got the title right and purchased it. I didn't really know what to expect so I was pleasantly surprised. There were many AHA moments contained in those pages. The author often speaks from a writer's point of view but the information applies to any type of creative artist. He first talks about Resistance and the many forms it takes to prevent us from getting the job done. By the end of the book as he discusses amateur vs professional and hierachy vs territorial, I am even more confident about what I was put on this earth to do. I always felt it was a spiritual connection and I will continue to wear my artist hat proudly.
This book is a keeper for my library. I'm sure I will be referring to it from time to time as I walk the creative path that is set before me.