Old-school acting pics ...

....Were just posted on my facebook page by the director/producer of "The NIght Shift." Thanks Dom Zook. I'm gonna take you down for this!
It was a comedy show that was on Public Access some 8 or 9 years ago. We were all young actors/writers/directors/ect. that were living "the dream." Dear God ... where has the time gone? But, what a fabulous time. We were so chomping at the bit to live our art's dream.
I, actually, still have that horrific dress in my closet. Haven't worn it in, nearly, 7 years! Ahhhhhhhhhh, the "mammaries."
xoxo,
Anna

Screw this cold ... 10 days until I'm FOUR years out!!!

After having worked with 6 clients this week that were "under the weather," the inevitable cold is upon me. Been miserable all day and my ass has decided that its newest (and most favorite) appendage is my couch. Hard to break that love match.
Silas has been such a dream today. Stayed in our PJs today and ate alot of crap and drank more than our weight in water: he decided that he should get the water for me and that I should sit still. What a HOOT!
Hydration doesn't seem to be doing the trick, as the snot has moved to my chest. I'm gonna stay on the couch tonight so that he might get a good night's sleep tucked away with the menagerie of furry friends.
No work for me tomorrow. Just rest.
Anddddd ..... I realized this evening that my 4 year Cancerversary is in 10 days: October 6th.
What a stupid-ass thing to complain about: a silly, silly cold. I'm lucky to be alive to, actually, catch a damned cold.
I've been through worse. And, many friends of mine have experienced MUCH more than I have ever experienced. So, I think I'll shut the hell up now.
xoxo,
Anna

Coyote Rep is getting props, YO!

Below is the link to Broadway.world.com. They have included "The New Normal" in their recommendations for upcoming shows in NYC. Pretty, damned, cool!
Way go Miss Donnetta!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Coyote_Rep_Theatre_Company_Presents_World_Premiere_of_THE_NEW_NORMAL_10131023_20010101

Donnetta and the gang are still trudging through the rehearsal and design process. "Busting arse" would be a fine description.

xoxo
Anna

This is atrocious ...

From Time Magazine:

"Listen, from time to time everybody is strapped for cash and may not know how to pay their bills. Even the Queen of England!
In 2004, Elizabeth II, who is reportedly worth $551 million, had considered getting help paying the mounting utiliy bills at Buckingham Palace from a government fund intended to help low-income U.K. residents. British newspaper The Independent, found out royal aides were looking at tapping into the $94 million fund to help with bills that ran more than $1,000,000. U.K. government ministers turned her down, though, fearing it would be a public relations nightmare.
British taxpayers already pay $60 million to keep the royals living, well, royally. Still the government didn't mind the Queen taking more money from her subjects to pay bills at Buckingham and other official residences. But officials eventually turned cold to the idea citing that the purpose behind a fund aimed at low-income citizens was to give it to low-income citizens. Plus, if it ever got out that Elizabeth was so broke she needed money from the British version of welfare, it wouldn't be a good look.
"I also feel a bit uneasy about the probable adverse press coverage if the Palace were given a grant at the expense of say a hospital. Sorry this doesn't sound more positive," an official wrote.
So to reduce their costs, the Palace, came up with a plan to use a less expensive contractor that undercut what they were already paying by 6-8%, which could have saved them $227,000 if they had thought of it two years earlier, The Independent reported."

Ummmm, is it just me or is this "monarchy" stuffs getting out of hand? I mean, when someone of great wealth ... who gets money from commoners (even the poor) ... tries to, basically, steal money from those that are in actual NEED, things are apparently in a shit-heap.
It's astounding to me that people of great wealth, privilege, and fame see themselves as above reprieve or consequence.
Maybe Queen Elizabeth could sell some of the family jewels to help pay that heating bill like many of the rest of have done.
xoxo
Anna

This is priceless...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgqawwX7fmc&NR=1

The above link is adorable. Note the look on the little girls' faces when the meltdown occurs. They are NOT happy with their father.
What a fabulous family.
xoxo
Anna

Artistkrasi Iordanov ...

I have no clue who this dude is. However, he "friend requested" me on Facebook. I've gotten a handful of requests from sketchy characters. I, generally, am annoyed and delete them. But, this one is killing me!!! I love the "artwork." The man in the drawing looks like a WWF hopeful. I planned on NOT accepting his friend request. However, now I'm teetering on doing it just so I might be able to see the rest of his pictures. This made my day!!!!
xoxo
Anna
p.s. What happened to that family's foreheads???

Meet Lauren ...

This is a pic of one of my ALL-TIME favorite clients. Lauren has been with me since I was an apprentice at Salon Joseph (8 years ago) and she was in college. Flash forward to our marriages/babies/life strife/etc. Lauren is one of those people that brings peace. She cracks me up, and and we spend hours ... because of her thick hair ... reflecting and reconnecting.
She's ALWAYS so kind and level-headed ... funny, with a side snark ... and, loves her some beer.
Lauren chopped off ALL of her hair today, as she wanted to donate it to "Locks of Love." She has always been one of those clients that says "what do YOU think I should do?"
Sometimes this worries me. But, knowing her, I knew she was ready.
15 inches later, we colored and then cut her hair into this cute little pixie-bob.
As gorgeous as she is, I could have placed a ham sandwich on her head and sent her home. She would have rocked that as well.
Thank you, sweet girl, for letting me scalp you!
And, thank you for donating all of that beautiful hair to the cancer cause. Only a person with balls of steel would say, "cut it all off ... it's just hair."
You're a warrior, dear friend.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. I should note that Lauren works for Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center. So, she deals with calls ... every day ... about cancer. It is her world. She made a choice to help others in their fight, as she deals with them, daily. And, that's one of the MANY reasons why I love her so ....

Little shout-out to an amazing artist-friend ...

I've known Mickey Williams since my college days. His wife and my sister went to nursing school together and became fast friends. This was about the same time that Mickey's artwork was just beginning to really take off. He painted (and continues to paint) some of the most gorgeous landscapes of the Low Country and its haunting backdrops. When I was a lowly sophomore, I would babysit Riley, Sullivan, and Frances and be surrounded by these beautiful pieces. I still look at these paintings and get a pit in my stomach sometimes. You know that homesick feeling that makes you almost hear and smell what you're missing? For me it's the pluff mud, salt air, crickets, cicadas, and thick humidity.
Following is a bio on my pal Mickey and a few of his stunning paintings.

"Williams was born in 1961 in Anchorage, Alaska. At ten his family moved to the Isle of Palms, at a time when most of the island remained undeveloped and unspoiled. His interest in art dates from his childhood and although he won many awards in high school, he earned his college degree from the University of South Carolina in Government and International Studies. Six years after graduating from college, while working in the restaurant business, Williams started painting again and quickly realized that this would be his life's path.

Williams is a self-taught artist who learned his craft from studying art in books and museums. His work is inspired by the spiritual and romantic beauty of the lowcountry that he fell in love with as a child. Today Mickey lives with his wife and three children in Mt. Pleasant.

'I paint the air, the land and the water that surround me. I have always felt a deep emotional and spiritual bond with nature and feel blessed to live and work in an area that is so inspiring to the mind and soul. My landscape paintings are visual interpretations of what I see with my eyes and my heart. I attempt with every painting to draw a parallel connection between nature and personal experience.'

His current work focuses on not only the Ace Basin but surrounding barrier islands and wetlands as well. The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers empty into a vast area of wetlands resulting in one of the world's most pristine estuaries.

Mickey is currently focusing on the coast and it's erosion and ever changing form.

His work is also included in permanent collections, including the Medical University of South Carolina, Roper Hospital, the University of South Carolina at Sumter, Cox Enterprises, Atlanta Georgia and The Department of Commerce Columbia SC in the Commerce Secretary's office and the office of the former United States Ambassador to Tanzania."

(I should mention the names of the paintings that I've included in the blog. Beginning from top to bottom: "Aftermath", "Memorial", "Dune Plamettos Hunting Island", "A Long Wet Road", "After Rain".)

xoxo
Anna

Speak it Leonard Cohen:

Anthem"

"The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
bought and sold
and bought again
the dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

We asked for signs
the signs were sent:
the birth betrayed
the marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
of every government --
signs for all to see.

I can't run no more
with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places
say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
a thundercloud
and they're going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring ...

You can add up the parts
but you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march,
there is no drum
Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in."

Can never get enough of this song, as the lyrics are so, so inspiring.
Enjoy.
xoxo
Anna

In every heart, there is room ...

Lovely oldish stuffs from Billy Joel. His lyrics have always spoken to me. This is one of my favorite songs of his:

"In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows."

The Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY&ob=av2e

xoxo
Anna

New York's CBS2 special ...

Thank God for good editors. Following is the link to a story about 2 young survivors, myself being one of them.


http://video.newyork.cbslocal.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5109510&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202010%20(3)&d1=600233&redirUrl=http://video.newyork.cbslocal.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=15509063

xoxo
Anna

2010 Holland America's Survivor Brunch ...

This year's Survivors' Brunch was, again hosted by Holland America Cruise Lines. They do such a fabulous job hosting this great event. This year ... as is customary ... they served a fabulous 5 course meal. We could choose from Steak, Salmon, or Tortellini as our main course. The food was fabulous, the crew-delightful.
I have to say that we did feel a bit like cattle. Not to seem like a damned ingrate or anything. But, when you're hosting a Survivors' Brunch, you must imagine that there might be quite a few women on treatment that need to get in and out as efficiently as possible. I think that's my only complaint. It was, also, voiced by many of the ladies there.
Note to self: When I buy my first cruise ship, I will make sure that all parties are handled in an efficient manner!
xoxo
Anna

Oh NO she didn't: from WCBS in NYC...

Oh HAPPY DAY for you, you piece of shite. So glad that you had a fabulous wedding ... and, it was paid for by donations sent to you from caring people that believed that you had cancer. Not into Karma, so much. But, you are amongst the handful of people that I know will get "the results that they deserve." YOU SUCK!


"NEW YORK (CBS/WCBS) She got a $1,200 wedding dress for free, but now there are reports that 23-year-old Jessica Vega, of Yonkers, N.Y., faked cancer to get a discounted wedding.

After claiming she had leukemia and less than a year to live, Vega was the recipient of sympathy and good will from members of her community. Vega said she wanted to marry her fiancee and be with the couple's baby daughter before she passed away.

Generous strangers donated the wedding rings and wedding flowers in addition to the dress.

But over the weekend, Vega's husband said the entire story was based on a lie, CBS affiliate WCBS reports.

Michael O'Connell told the Times Herald-Record that he believes his wife never had a terminal illness - citing a letter from a doctor stating her diagnosis was fake.

Furthermore, the paper reported that when O'Connell called Dr. Dan Costin's Westchester office, he was told that Vega was "never a patient here."

Bella Couture Dress Bridal Shop provided the Mona Lisa Royale dress for nothing.

"You can't help but to feel betrayed and you know scammed by someone who would say that they are dying from a terminal illness," shop owner Gina Verdes told WCBS.

However, Verdes said she wouldn't think twice about helping someone in the future.

"You can't be soured by it. We still did the right thing. We gave to someone in need and that's what you do as good people and good business - you give to other people in need," Verdes told the station.

O'Connell has filed for divorce and is seeking full custody of the couple's now 1-year-old daughter."

Ms. Vega, after the shit that you've pulled, you ARE a cancer. I have a feeling that there is no "cure" for people like you.
xoxo
Anna

Way overdue: Chelan pics ...

As promised ... some months ago, here are a few pictures from The Hoodies' annual Breakation. This year we did Lake Chelan. It was hotter than the dickens, but fun, fun, fun. We were by/in the lake more often than not. Still cannot believe that the water in the house came from the lake. Let's just say that I assumed that the pipes that lead from the lake were just to help irrigate the yard. NOT LEADING TO THE TAP. Being "full of oneself" will never have the same meaning to me.
xoxo
Anna

Another Garfunkle and Oats tune that hits home...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0h0a27_jPQ&feature=channel

UH OH ... Those ladies did it again.
Such a funny tune.
xoxo
Anna

Woohooo ... the boys are "gone fishin'"...

Had to post these adorable pics of 3 of the most handsome gents I know. My Dad and brother were in a fishing tournament today. Not sure if they won. But, if my brother was involved, I imagine that they did. Uncle Shane (my step-bro) was there to help out and cheer them on as well!
Love you "Pappy Ed", "Uncle Joshie", and "Uncle Shaner".
Enjoy...
xoxo
Anna

Found my lost green thumb ...

Well, as much as I was excited about my garden this year, it was appearing that my garden wasn't too, terribly, excited about me. That is ... until Silas and I discovered what had "happened" to our radish plants. You see, the radishes that we bought weren't the best this year. After pulling a few, much to our chagrin, they were puny ... at best. Today, however, we discovered (after googling) that the little seed pods at the top of the radish stalks were, indeed, edible. Wowzah! We have more of those than we do dog hair in this house. So, we'll be eating those Jessies until the cows come home.
We, actually, ate quite a few whilst picking them. Silas' comment; "Mama, this bean is spicy ... but, it's sooooo cool!"
I have a feeling that after I keep shoving them down his throat for 3 weeks he's not going to find them "cool" anymore.
The Swiss Chard ... all 3 stalks ... makes me think of a bad parody of a Viagra commercial.
The cabbage and tomatoes are doing well. Though, the tomatoes are taking FOREVER to ripen. My first red tomato was thrown in the trash, as some nimble little "night rodent" feasted upon it.
So, as fall comes home, the gardening season is wrapping up. Lots learned this year. Hopefully, next year, the season allows the veggies and fruits to grow more abundantly.
Until then ...
xoxo
Anna

Some more "oldish" pics that Grandmama sent us...

Just a couple more pics from a lovely time on a lovely lake with our lovely family. Every time I see these I smile from East Coast to
West Coast. Love you Pappy and Grandmama.
xoxo
Anna

The "Olden Days" ...

Pics from some years ago that my Step-Mama shared with me again today. My, what 2 and 1/2 years can give to AND take from all of us.
Seems like yesterday that I partied at my brother's house for my One Year Cancerversary .... Rounding the track and heading for the finish line of the 4th Year now. October, here we come!!!!!!!
xoxo,
Anna