Stay Present

As tough as 2008 was for all of us. Especially for those of us in the moviemaking business. I remain forever hopeful for 2009. If anything, I am even more determined to make sure my business succeeds. Not just for my immediate family. But for everyone involved with Marlo Productions. I feel a greater sense of obligation to continue to create work for those of us in the entertainment industry because of how crazy the ecomony is and how the movie business has been affected.

It is my belief that even during very difficult times that we should allow the creative juices to flow. We shouldn't turn off the camera nor should we stop jotting down our ideas. I refuse to turn off the camera in my head. I love watching people and being fully present in life. Every moment is more material for me as far as I'm concerned. Life is rich with material and can be so entertaining. We just have to be involved in it and stay present with each other in each moment.

So as we enter into a new year, a new beginning, let's keep that camera rolling. Roll sound. Roll camera. Action!

This World Is Conspiring For Our Success

Have you ever met someone that no matter what you say to them, they just seem so negative? They complain about how life is just so unfair and it is either something or someone else's fault. It can't possibly be them or their attitude about life. And no matter what you say to be uplifting or encouraging, they refuse to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I seem to attract this type of person. Oh, they will laugh at one's self-deprecating jokes, and that is usually a cue to bolt (and fast too). Yes, this type of person loves to bask in their misery and in others shortcomings.

Recently, I mentioned to someone (just like this) who was having a so called 'bad day' that in spite of how bleak things may be for them, that I truly believe that the world is conspiring for our success. Their immediate response, "Well, I don't believe that!" I have to go on record that this 'someone' is a person that I have to deal with on a professional and personal basis nearly every day.

I truly believe that no matter what life may throw our way good or bad, these challenges are an opportunity for us to find out what we are really made of. Will we cave under pressure? Will we step up to the plate? Will we actually try something different? The old way isn't working, so let's do something that is not ordinary. Or will we bury our head in the sand and feel sorry for ourselves.

That is not to say that there are not some extreme hardships in life like losing a job, falling behind on your mortagage and on the brink of being homeless, a business going under, or losing a loved one. All of which require tremendous strength. All worthy of great compassion and each exceedingly difficult to deal with.

Everyone has pressure in their life and each of us deals with their's differently. But, we do have a choice about how we go about doing so.

Case in point: My husband and I have had a slow period in our movie-making business. Because of the possible actor's strike, our production has been delayed until next year. This should have been one of our most productive years in the industry. No one could have foreseen how the writer's strike followed by the SAG hold-out would have affected our business. But it did and it hit us hard. Earnest and I had to shift gears. One could say that we our down-on-our-luck.

So, to change things up, we started frequenting a coffee shop in the Burbank area to get out of the office and strategize about our business and how to keep things moving forward in spite of the delays.

The coffee morning meeting ritual has been going on for a while and we now know the early morning clientele of this establishment. Recently we met another Producer/Director who we have seen in the coffee shop and have on occassion said hello to in passing. We watched this individual from a distance and it was immediately made clear to us that he too is in the 'business' (the film industry). After chatting with this individual, it turns out he is in need of much help on a television production that starts up in two weeks. He has asked us to come on board and help him with his project.

Luck?

I'm not one to put much emphasis on luck. I don't believe in good or bad luck. There is just life and my hope is that we all live it fully. My husband and I could have chosen to stay in the office and feel sorry for ourselves and the whole "Woe is me," bit, and try to blame somebody but that is not who we are.

Like I mentioned earlier. I not only attract the 'negative folks', I attract the highly energetic types too. But, we do have to keep our eyes open and make ourselves available to the opportunities that are being presented.

The real question is are we paying attention or are we so self-absorbed in our own problems?

So, here is my challenge to all. Stop. Take a deep breath. Are you dealing with something really heavy? Does the the burden seem overwhelming? Good. You're probably right on track.

Mi Familia

The Harris Family Wishes You A Very Merry Christmas!

Signs of Old Age

Today it finally happened. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I cannot deny it any longer. I am getting old and losing it. That fact was made very clear to me in the most humiliating way.

I was sitting in the waiting area at a Toyota dealership in a room with about fifteen people all waiting for their cars to be serviced as well. I just happened to look down at my feet and noticed that the black shoes I thought I had on were not black at all but NAVY!

And then right there in front of everyone and for no apparent reason, I let out the biggest, "HA!" and started laughing hysterically. Everyone in the room looked at me as though I had just lost my mind.

After my little moment, I immediately looked to see what else I was wearing and noticed that I had on a black top, khaki pants and a grey sweater! Nothing I had on matched. Imagine my surprise. And those darn navy shoes! I decided to 'try' to hide the top by zipping up my sweater and then it occurred to me, "Oh no, how am I going to hide the fact that my black purse will not match with my navy shoes!"

Well needless to say, I was relieved when I was buzzed by the service department that my car was ready. I scooted out of that place and couldn't wait to get the you-know-what out of there!

When I got home, I told my husband what had happened and his response floored me. "I thought you knew the shoes were navy when you bought them." I was blown away. I bought the shoes a couple of months ago and really believed they were black. I would never have purchased navy shoes. Everything I wear is black to make me look slimmer. (Yes, I am that shallow!)

A little history about the shoes. I had seen them several times at the mall and kept eye-balling them until they were finally marked down to a price that suited me. I actually spotted them months ago and refused to pay full price for them. So, I really thought I was getting a great deal on those cute little black heeled sandals that would go great with my little black dress.

In fact, the day I bought them, I was so excited, that I ran to my closet as soon as I got home, slipped into my little black dress, touched up my lipstick and ran into the living room to model the whole outfit for my husband. I went on and on about how cute the shoes were and how much I loved them.

As I played the event over in my mind today, I just had to ask my husband (in my best trying-to-not-sound-mad voice), "Why didn't you tell me the shoes were not black?" His calm and honest response, "You were so happy...besides, I figured you knew they were navy and were bucking to get a navy outfit or handbag as well...you've done that before Dianna!"

I was appalled! And hurt. And to make matters worse, my husband had the audacity to imitate the way I modeled the shoes the day I bought them. It was too much for me to take. He was hilarious. We both fell out laughing.

So, I have been duly shamed and do hereby admit, it's time for me to slow down a bit. I'm getting old and can no longer deny the signs of aging, whatever color they come in!

What A Month!

I can't believe that it has been a month since I've written. It has been really busy on the homefront. What an exciting time this has been for our family. We now have a new President and a bi-ethnic President at that and I couldn't be happier! As a mother of two bi-ethnic children I am encouraged by the message this sends to all people of color. I was on board as an Obama supporter back in November of 2007. What a crazy ride it has been!

My last blog was written during the height of the Presidential campaign and boy did it get ugly. Thank God it's all over, the campaign and election that is, and now the real task begins for President-Elect Barack Obama.

I can't help wondering what a mess Obama has inherited. But, I truly believe that he is the right person for the job. I was one of the many who cried like a baby when the returns came in and he went over and above the electoral votes needed.

Join me please in prayer and support for our new President. God Bless America and God Bless President-Elect Obama!!

Is This Scary or What?

I came across this video the other day and was appalled. The thought of Americans spewing this type of venom made me truly sad. It scares me to think that this is happening in our country. With all that we as a people are facing right now, I find it hard to believe that we have made little progress in the area of racism. Or is this plain ignorance? I find that hard to believe in an era where information is just a click away. It seems to me with all the problems we as a country are currently dealing with right now like the economy, people losing their homes, the loss of jobs, the price of gas, and so much uncertainty, that instead of spreading fear and division, we should be coming together. If anything, these trying times are an opportunity for us to step up to the plate and show how together we are. People are hurting. Why add such ugliness?

Watch and see for yourself.

My Bliss

Today I was struck by the many blessings I have in my life.  Among the many, my family, my friends, my home and what I do for a living. I don't take any of this for granted.  Which brings me to what I wanted to share.

I know it sounds crazy for me to even comment on this, but it really is an overwhelming feeling to know that I get up everyday and actually look forward to what the day has in store for me. Because no matter what the day may bring, I'm ready! Bring it on!

My husband, Earnest, wakes up a little more spunkier that I and he usually starts the day with, "What will this day have in store for us?",  and then he sings,  "...it's just another perfect day. I love LA!".

And he's right!  I love where I live. I love what I do.  I love my job.  I can't really call it that because it doesn't feel like work to me. In fact, my husband on occasion has called me a woman of leisure!  To me, I am just following my bliss! 

And it all started some sixteen years ago when my husband (who was just a friend at the time) asked me to describe my perfect day. Wow, no one had ever asked me to do that.  I remember describing my day as waking up and living in a place where the weather is always warm and sunny.  I saw myself  surrounded by natural beauty. I knew I wanted to live near the beach and close to mountains.  My mornings would include having the choice of where and when I went in to work (no nine to five for me!) and I was adamant about working for myself.  I saw myself as the boss and someone in charge. (No more working for the man!) I was also specific about working in a field where there was no limit to what I could achieve.  I saw children in my life and wanted to run my own company with an office close to my home so that I could always be available to my family. I also described how I would spend my evenings and wanted to share my life with my closest friend - my husband. 

After this exercise, Earnest calmly asked me, "So what's holding you back?"

Well needless to say, I was forever changed. Somehow just hearing myself and thinking it, made it seem possible. I figured, if I can THINK it, maybe it CAN happen! 

Well, I am here to tell you. If you can conceive it and believe it, then you CAN achieve it.

That doesn't mean that being the boss is easy, nor that running my own company is a breeze. On the contrary. And I have on some bad days, been tempted to leave it all and go work a regular job. But, what I have learned is that the headache I experienced working for someone else feels the same as the headache I get owning my own company.   

Given the choice, I'd much rather be the one who inspires our workers and those around me. And when the opportunity arises, to also be the one that encourages the many I come into contact with to start their own companies. In essence, for them to follow their own bliss. We (Earnest and I) make it a point to ask those who work with us to share what their ultimate goals are so that we, if we can, may help them achieve their highest potential. 

After all that we have been given, and have yet to still accomplish, it's the least we can do. 

So, what's your perfect day? What's your bliss?  

Wound Too Tight

Last night I had tea with a really good friend,  Natasha, who I have not seen in a year due to our busy schedules. We had a wonderful time catching up.  Later when I got home and after putting the kids down to bed, something that came up in my conversation with Natasha kept running through my mind.  I had shared with Natasha my concerns about my daughter, Maria,  who is 10 years old and how concerned I am about how much she stresses about school and life in general. I told her how Maria strives so hard to do everything well.  Natasha's was quiet for a moment and then responded,  "Just like her mama, huh?".  She went on to say how she has never really seen me chill and just kick back.  

Oh my GOD.  Sometimes we need someone outside of ourselves to point out the obvious.   I know I work hard,  just like everyone else. I know that I push myself,  but doesn't everybody do that? Okay, maybe I do overcompensate.  But it occurred to me.  Is my behavior consistent with a person who is wound too tight?  And maybe, just maybe, that explains why my daughter is the way she is.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?

Maria, bless her heart, has a hard time holding back her tears when she doesn't understand her school work and sometimes loses it when she is overwhelmed.  The only difference for me is that I don't show my frustration in public.  Maria hasn't mastered that skill, yet.  For me, my emotions, when they do manifest, are usually directed at my husband, God Bless him, who in most instances, has no clue what in the hell is going on with me.  How he puts up with me, is beyond me.  Must be love.

I decided to really look at myself honestly and came up with some examples of snapping moments.  Allow me to share.

I recalled one instance when I had just finished mopping the kitchen and had asked the family to PLEASE stay out of the kitchen until the floor had time to dry. (This happened about a month ago.) My husband was walking towards the kitchen as I made this request and yet there he was standing smack dab in the middle of the kitchen! What happened next still scares me.  I let out this deep gurgling, loud, "UGGGGGHHH" and shoved him in the chest trying to push him out.  Of course this was to no avail as he is much stronger than I.  He looked at me like I had lost my mind.  I had.  I was so embarrassed.  I ran to our bedroom and felt like a total idiot. "It's just a floor!" I thought to myself.

A more recent incident happened just yesterday.  I was on a frustrating phone call putting out a 'fire'.  As I returned back to a meeting, my husband, who was standing outside of my office, apparently had heard the conversation, reached out to me to give me a hug.  I pushed his hands away and gave him a look of disdain and snapped at him.  I don't even remember what I said to him.  What in God's name is wrong with me? 

A couple of hours after this happened I had cooled down, and I decided to ask my husband if he thought I was wound too tight.  And there it was.  That awkward silence.  Then the lifted eyebrow and a ,"Well..." that tapered off into silence again.  He was being nice.  Or maybe he was afraid to answer the question after my most recent episode.

So this is to all of you out there, men and women alike who are dealing with stress and who sometimes lose it.  Life is stressful.  It's time for me to dig deep into my meditation practice. It's time for me to let down my chongo (english translation: bun or ponytail).  I do this not just for my own sake but for my husband,  my daughter and  my 11 year old son.  Who knows what effect I have had on him.  Kids have enough stress of their own.  No need for me to add to it.