A simple THANK YOU...

thank you to all who have supported the journey this year. other actors, writers, directors, producers, teachers, casting, crew, peers, colleagues, sorority sisters, linesisters, friends and family. you have either attended a reading and/or screening, inquired about one of my projects, downloaded a podcast, posted on your social media account about a project i'm involved in, forwarded on an email i've sent or simply just let me know that you are rooting for me and excited for what's to come. it is very much appreciated. following a path with no set destination, standard hierarchical structure or guaranteed success according to society isn't easy. it's scary, anxiety-inducing, nerve-wracking, frustrating and downright lonely. it can be painstakingly lonely.

thank you so very much. 

while you support me on my journey, please make sure to support yourself as well and to give voice and action to your own dreams. and let myself and others know what you are doing and/or what you want to be doing. at the end of the day, we are all in this together. it doesn't have to be so lonely. it shouldn't be.

see you in 2014!

bettina 

xoxo

dutch kills

last friday night, i had the pleasure of attending a screening for a film i worked on. "dutch kills" is about a guy who's released from prison only to be pulled back into one last gig. the special things about working on this film are (1) it is a completed project and will be submitted to film festivals, meaning people will see it and hopefully connect with it in some way. and (2) the process by which this film was made is nothing short of inspiring. written and produced by a group of friends, it started out as an idea. pen was put to paper, friends were reached out to for support, these friends and friends of friends were cast, money was raised through a crowd-funding campaign, the project was shot, and the post-production process was endured. and now there's a living, breathing movie. there are so many stages to completing a film that allow for slim to none short cuts. i'm always amazed by those who commit to the process, taking it day-by-day and overcoming the inevitable challenges that present themselves. beyond inspiring.

congrats to tama filianga, r.l. mann, joseph mazzella, and liam leguillou for your talent, hard work and dedication. thank you to rotimi paul for bringing me to the project and lodric collins for your unwavering support.

here's the official trailer for the project:

Gratitude

Today is Turkey Day, and I've been spending the whole day back home with my family.  There are so many things to be grateful for this year.  All of my family members are with us and are healthy for the most part.  My grandmother is 95 and three-fourths and as sharp as ever!  It's quite amazing, she's better at remembering names and the turn of events than I am.  In fact, half the time I can't keep up with her stories and have to ask about 10 follow-up questions for clarity. 

At dinner, I got the biggest chuckle because she lit up showing us everything she's "collected" from her assisted living home that the other residents don't use.  She pulled out from her bag of goodies: tea, tissues and cereal.  It was funny to see her in action...a cross between an auctioneer and your local street hustler.  She's extraordinarily skilled at not wasting a dime (read: cheap...oh er uh i meant fiscally responsible). 

Me, on the other hand...I've been admiring my new calgel manicure that I got yesterday before leaving the city - $78 of pure fabulosity.  New obsession alert!  Especially since I'm prone to nail biting, peeling, picking when random thoughts, what ifs, and "i need to's" visit me and I find myself spirally down into the land of anxiety.  Check out http://www.nailspasakura.com/.  If you ever take a visit, see Leela...she's the bomb diggity.

So on this day, I'm thankful for many many things but especially my family, my Grandma, and my fresh glittery calgel mani.  Happy Thanksgiving!