The Lessons I've Learned
This week's column is going to be very brief. Next week I leave for Lexington, KY to cover the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Before I got involved in the world of acting and still now much of my life has been about covering events and writing stories about things connected to the horse world.
Horses have literally taken me around the world. I've traveled to over 30 countries writing stories as I went. I've covered 7 Olympic Games, 6 World Equestrian Games and so much more both nationally and internationally. So, whenever I have to head out on the road my thing is to get all my ducks in order before I leave.
My paperwork needs to be up to date, my bills need to be paid and my obligations taken care of. Everything has to be left clean and organized so that when I return I am greated by neatness and organization all around me. That usually means the week before becomes a bit of a whirlwind.
Now that my acting columns have been combined with my horse columns I'm dividing myself between both of those worlds and in between mixing in PR and all the stories I am working on. I just finished Demystifying SAG-AFTRA and am working on a Conservatory article. I've also got a story on the Working Actor Studio in the making and plan to meet with Caroline from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to Demystify that organization for my readers.
I've been invited by Scott Powers to his April 30th Commercial Agents event and so I'm gearing up for that. In between, I've written a comedic monologue with the help of my friend Mary Clem and attending rehearsals with The Actors Project-NYC to get that ready for a June showcase. Finally, I'm working on an article about Elena Shpak, a producer who I worked with.
And just recently I was approached about doing a book on the Casting Directors of New York City. That's still in the discussion stages but may be another project on my to do list.
So, I'm juggling a lot of balls with my main goal to be a full-time working actress. I love being in front of the camera and one day I hope to put a lot of energy into doing just that. And with that in mind I always welcome any suggestions and connections.
In addition to all of the above I do some consulting and my recent focus is with a friend who has a speech coming up. We are working on making sure his presentation is tight, focused, on target and entertaining.
In the process I'm adding a lot of cool phrases to my list because Rakesh has some real words of wisdom to offer. I'd like to end this week's column with some of those treasures. Take a moment to think about what these phrases mean and if you have some examples of what they mean to you I'd love to hear from you.
First you deserve and then you desire.
A mature clerk is better than an immature branch manager.
Judge yourself by how fast you fall asleep when your head hits the pillow.
Integrity is like a piece of glass.
Always speak the truth.
Do not take bribes.
Don't repeat your mistakes.
Spend less and make more.
.... and finally
Be grateful because we are lucky to live in America where we have the freedom and ability to make something of our lives.
Happy Holidays and as always, if you have something you'd like me to do or try, feel free to reach out to me. I prefer a hands on approach where I can speak about it because I experienced it. Email me at dderosa1@optonline.net.
