As typing is still not on the agenda. I have decided (Making decisions part 1) to share an unpublished short film with you. I would like to thank my wonderful friend Paul Ekert for writing this for me, Paul you know me so well.
Not only did Paul write it, he also directed, filmed and edited. A man of many talents!
Also, thank you, Richard Ward, for your superb performance and priceless comedic expressions and timing. It was a joy to work with you.
Stills from the film were also published in my posts:
I didn’t sleep well last night. My painful wrist kept me awake. Frustration leaked from my body, along with the sweat from both pain and humidity, not only because I thought I would endure another day of discomfort but also because it meant, yet again, I wouldn’t write Making Decisions Part 2 Day 17: Making Decisions. Part 1
If I allowed it, this feeling would have consumed me. Filled me with self-pity. Poor me. Why me? Just when I had recovered from yet another surgery, the pain was back to prohibit my progress. I can’t type. I can’t keep up with my challenge
Instead, I adopted the approach given by Clint Eastwood as Sergeant Thomas Highway in Heartbreak Ridge (a great movie).
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
I wanted to post something in my blog. The pain was too much.
Improvise.
Yesterday and today, I have used previous blogs relating to pain.
Modifying my current blog posts enabled me to provide content without writing it there and then.
Overcome.
I achieved my goal for today in a completely different way than I had planned. Guess what? That’s okay. Plans change. Roll with the waves. As long as you get there in the end, does it really matter what path you took?
Have a great day. If you would like to join me on this journey, please like, subscribe and comment.
Thanks, Liz
For anyone reading my posts who has a story in them, they are struggling to tell. I would recommend getting Anne Lamott’s book ‘Bird by Bird’. It has inspired me to create this challenge and is full of great knowledge and insight. She also has a wonderful sense of humour and writing style.
If you would like to buy ‘Bird by Bird’, please use my Amazon associate link: https://amzn.to/47Pdkx7
If you have stumbled across my blog and are thinking ‘Day 15’ of what? Have a quick read about my challenge.
“I carried a watermelon.” Instantly, without hesitation, a chuckle reverberated in my throat. A grin spread across my mouth, and a myriad of memories flooded my mind.
Dirty Dancing. What a classic.
(Sorry, I don’t have a picture of me carrying a watermelon!)
My son-in-law, Chris, said it as he wandered off to get some watermelon for my grandson. Incredible how a simple phrase can have such an effect on you.
My family uses lines from films as a national pastime. Very few conversations escape the phenomenon. My sister and I are fiendish participants.
A few years ago, I bought tickets for Jess and me to see Dirty Dancing in London. It was superb. We had a fabulous time. The atmosphere was electric. Everyone in the auditorium was waiting to hear their favourite line.
Mine: “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.” It crops up all the time at home.
Our journey home was just as exhilarating. In London’s version of a Thai Tuk Tuk, we wondered if our last memories would be of the ‘jump’ in Dirty Dancing or one of our own being catapulted from the vehicle at high speed. Fortunately, we made it back to the hotel in one piece- although I am not entirely sure how.
I struggle to watch it now, though. Patrick Swayze was perfect for the role and Sam in Ghost. I watched it recently. As I said in Day 3: Crying makes you feel better. It somehow seemed wrong to watch it now that he is dead. I wonder if he watches over his wife, whom he so dearly loved, the way he watched over Demi Moore in the movie.
Why do we feel such a loss when someone we have never met dies? Especially an actor, because we rarely see them for who they really are. Or do we?
As an actor myself, I draw on my own experiences to create my characters. There is always a piece of me somewhere inside the person I portray. Does that mean the viewer can see me underneath my façade? I believe we have an insight into the person behind the character and maybe that’s why we feel their loss.
What do you think?
Murray and I have a favourite line. The brilliant, and also sadly dead, James Gandolfini in The Mexican. “When two people love each other – Really… Love each other – but they just can’t get it together, when do you get to that point where enough is enough?”
Julia Roberts replies in a convoluted fashion, saying nothing profound – women, we overthink everything!
Brad, short and simple – “Never”
For us, it says it all. It cements the longevity of a relationship. Regardless of what you go through, if you “love each other – Really…Love each other” you never give up. I’m not saying it’s easy. Murray and I both get driven demented by the other. But when the shit hits the fan and there is something major to contend with. We both know the only person we want by our side is our other half.
At times, it feels as though we are one. I love it when you know what the other is thinking. You say the same thing at the same time. You glance across a crowded room and have a conversation without saying a word.
That’s what that line is all about. The simple knowing that you are meant to be together.
Do you have a favourite line from a film? If so, please tell me in the comments box.
If you would like to join me on this journey, please like, subscribe and comment.
Thanks, Liz
For anyone reading my posts who has a story in them, they are struggling to tell. I would recommend getting Anne Lamott’s book ‘Bird by Bird’. It has inspired me to create this challenge and is full of great knowledge and insight. She also has a wonderful sense of humour and writing style.
If you would like to buy ‘Bird by Bird’, please use my Amazon associate link: https://amzn.to/47Pdkx7
For those of you that have read my recent posts you will fully understand why my blog is called ‘Woman on the Edge’ things have been very on the edge of late and it’s times like this when I look to be inspired, find other people who too have the ‘Never give up’ attitude.
There was one person who stood out amongst the crowd, an actress whose work I had seen a few years ago that had caught my attention, I have followed her journey with intrigue ever since. So I decided to ask her for an informal interview to discover what she has learnt on her journey and how does she manage to stay focused on her dreams.
She agreed and in fact had a lot to say on the subject – it would seem she is a ‘Woman on the Edge’ of great things to come.
I have chosen today to tell the world about her, as it’s her birthday and as much as material gifts are nice, learning people are inspired by you and believe in you, in my opinion, is a far greater gift. This woman is incredibly talented and it is about time more people new about her.
An interview with Actress Rayanna Dibs:
When did you choose your career path?
I had an idea of what I wanted my career to look like from a young age. But as I embarked on my chosen journey, I soon realised the picture was not as I thought it would be – and thank god – wouldn’t it be boring if things always went to plan. We wouldn’t feel the need to keep on our toes and be prepared for the Unknown.
What have you learnt?
If there is one thing I’ve learnt in this industry and as an actor, its that the path may not lead you to where you were hoping to go, but that doesn’t mean your journey won’t be great! I still feel like I’m at the beginning of my journey, and I’m open to possibility, change and opportunity – whilst trying to maintain a sense of humour about it all.
Anything you feel you still need to learn?
I’m learning to not get upright or upset about situations completely our of my control. If I don’t win the role, that’s ok – it wasn’t meant to be and there is something else I’m meant to be doing. I’m cool with that.
Any tips for budding actors?
The business of acting is like dating. Appear too enthused, they won’t want to see you again. Play hard to get, well that could backfire. Unsure of what you’re looking for? Well that will only mess your date around and confuse the situation. Stop looking for the perfect fit – and when you least expect something perfect may just come along.
Do you use other people’s careers as inspiration?
I’ve always been interested in people’s pathway to success. I’m interested in people, what they did to get where they are, what they may have sacrificed, and any mistakes they made along the way. I love it when hard work pays off and to see other people be successful – keeps the dream and motivation alive.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hopes for the future? Well I guess to keep the big picture in mind. The little steps I take along the way may change and not work out, but I know what I want – one things for sure it will be a crazy ride.
What are your upcoming projects?
Leading role in upcoming British Feature film ALONE, shooting in July
Playing an interesting role in a quirky little play to be staged in London this summer.
On US TV screens in an upcoming Series for Investigation Discovery in June.
Stared in the short film Sally’s Inner Demons last year which has now been selected for Cannes Short Film corner this May.
Rayanna Dibs, thank you for your time, I wish you every success in your career and will be supporting you all the way.
Surgery and Prosecco 