The World is Going Crazy...Nope it's Gone

This world has gone crazy. No doubt about it. Just think about it: we count calories, fat grams, carbs, points all in a effort to achieve an ever elusive "perfect figure". Meanwhile, in a land not so far away people are starving. People who would devour stale bread and reasonably clean water as though it were a sumptuous feast. I don't mean to sound preachy but it's absolutely ridiculous.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my life, but I'd rather have some cellulite and full tush than live life like many of the women I encounter in LA. They "survive" on diet coke, pop tarts and whatever other sweetly deceptive poisons they can grab to nibble on. NO wonder they feel so bad and behave so rudely? Is anyone surprised by this? Why anyone would torture their body in order to resemble a skeleton is beyond me. My goal is to be a healthy size 10. Maybe an 8, but I know my frame and I give full permission to anyone who reads this to publicly ridicule me if I ever try to be smaller than that. And, if you think size 8 is disgusting, fat or "too heavy" for an actress hoping to play roles on the silver screen other than the chubby best friend, matronly neighbor or androgenous funny lady, then take a look at Kate Winslet. She is reportedly a size 8 and the woman is gorgeous, healthy looking and very natural and real looking. I rest my case.

Something has to change in the world. We have to stop letting our daughters, sisters and friends torture, deprive, hurt and destroy their precious potentially healthy bodies. As women blessed to have been born in the United States we need to start changing things. Are you tired of some (but not all) men dictating what we as women should aspire to LOOK LIKE? What about other women? Our moms who criticize us b/c of their own self-hate and can't help but see themselves in our faces and thighs and bellies. Our friends who compare, critique and condemn us. Our co-workers, sisters, aunts, grandmother, and so on and so on. What about the women we never meet? Those who work in fashion, advertising, casting, etc.? Well, I am.

And, I think it's time for a revolution. It starts within yourself. Change the way you think and share your new vision with others friends, family, etc. But mostly teach those in your charge: students, children, nieces, etc. And, lead by example. Let's start living like we love ourselves in a healthy way. Then, maybe we can be confident and secure enough to just live as beautiful creatures instead of wasting time in pursuit of perpetual, ever-elusive perfection. How many hours have we wasted searching for the right hair color, hair style, mascara, whatever it is to look like a photoshopped ad we saw in a magazine once??!! I am guilty and I am working to change.

Now, I am openly accepting that I am a beautiful creature full of limitless potential. And, my potential includes making changes in this world so that fewer women live in the shroud of self-hate. And, so that more of the children on our very own soil, as well as, in a foreign land can have full bellies and the nutrition and opportunity they deserve. What if we spent less time thinking about cosmetics and more time on charity? What if we woke up each day knowing we are uniquely beautiful and that our humanity is the natural-born conformity that we celebrate and surrender to and let that guide is to do good. What if? I challenge you and I challenge me.

A Visit to Crazytown a.k.a When Pedestrians Attack

I have to begin by saying that although I've had a few encounters with card-carrying citizens over the past few weeks, I, personally, am not a resident of Crazytown. (Some would argue an expatriot, but I choose not to address those rumors.) Therefore, I am happy to report that my sanity remains in tact. As for the rest of me, I am a very blessed woman right now because I had an encounter with the current Mayor of Crazytown last night. A meeting which proved to be both dangerous and hilarious.


It all began with me cruising down Santa Monica in WeHo when I saw a woman jaywalking across the right hand lane of traffic. Thankfully, I was in the fast lane and began breaking, thus avoiding potential vehicular homicide charges or, at the very least, serious carnage. As I responsibly brought my car to a halt, I think I may have blown my horn - to alert her and others, so she would not be hit by any other innocent vehicles and their drivers. What happened next is nothing short of an unpleasant excursion to Crazytown.


This woman, who appeared to be superficially "normal" was a raving lunatic in short shorts & ipod earphones. She began screaming at me and then ran up to the back of my car (on the passenger side), weilding her oversized boho crappo saddle bag and proceeded to savagely beat my car! All I can say it is that I was in complete shock. Honestly, how often are moving vehicles attacked by pedestrians?


I felt relieved when she moved away from my car and crossed the other two lanes of traffic; however, my relief was short-lived. Within moments I was sitting at the traffic light ahead, when I felt someone staring at me from across the lanes of traffic. I turned to see the same crazy woman walking parrallel to my car on the sidewalk two traffic lanes away from me. She was screaming and saying God & bystanders only know what. Suddenly, without even looking to see if the lanes were clear (unfortunately they were), she ran across the street and halted outside my driver's side window. Time seemed to speed up and she didn't miss a beat as she proceeded to karate kick/stomp my driver's side window and then repeatedly kick the door panel below. The only thing I could think to do was lay on my car horn; however, I think that only enraged her more. It was very similar to being at the zoo and unwittingly roaming into the gorilla habitat.



I am very blessed that her foot did not break the glass and land in my face accompanied by broken glass. I was angry, panicked and even amused, but mostly I was completely and utterly in shock.



I must add this event put things in perspective for me. As light turned green and I hastily fled the scene of my victimization, I thought of how grateful I was to emerge virtually unscathed by the psychopath. I also thought, "Hmmm. My 2 ton automobile just got attacked by an anonymous (one can only imagine) coked-out, scrawny, white girl. If I can't see that this is confirmation that my life and experiences are excellent material for my career as an author and filmmaker, then I'm never gonna get the message."

I also believe that my personal experiences are meant to be shared in order to entertain and encourage. So, I hope you've been entertained and I also hope that whatever you may experience today - even if it's an unplanned excursion to crazytown or a visit from the Crazytown Mayor in person (like I experienced) - know that at the very least you are not a resident and only a visitor.


Once again, my life in LA has proved to be anything but pedestrian.