Have you ever had one of "those" days? Well, it happened to me when I got home yesterday afternoon. It wasn't one of those "wow... this is bad!" things. It was one of those things that creeps up on you slowly. It wasn't until John got home from work, after dark, that we realized something was really wrong... our A/C unit wasn't working properly =/ (that's a worried face for those of you who don't text).
Being the "maintenance guy" that he is, he began to pull the front panel off of the unit to see if it had "frozen up." No, that wasn't it. We were stumped. So, we watched some of our TV series that we like to watch in the evenings on Netflix while the temperature continued to climb... all the while the rain from hurrican Hermine was pouring down, causing the humidity and heat levels to rise. Sigh... it was going to be a very uncomfortable night.
Bright and early this morning, John got on the internet, with the rain continuing to pour, and researched our A/C unit to try and troubleshoot the issue. Once the rain let up he went out and took the unit apart to discover that the fan had stopped turning... the motor had gone bad! He took the motor out, took it to the shop at work and tried to get the fan off. Fortunately "someone" was watching out for us. If the fan had come off the new motor wouldn't have fit the existing fan. He drove into town, picked up the new fan and motor, installed it and it is blowing cold air! YEA!
This entire process saved us time, money and expense because I am married to the best hubby/handy man in the world!
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Research
Evening everyone! I hope you all had a terrific Labor Day weekend! I took a few days off from writing to spend some time with my sweet hubby and quality time with my critters :) Weekends are also busy for me, especially when involved in any type of theatrical production. I had a three hour musical/dance rehearsal Friday night, four hour musical/dance rehearsal Saturday and Sunday. That is the pattern every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and has been for the past month or so. You can see how a weekend is easily consumed.
Back to the "research" title of this blog... after Friday night's rehearsal a few of the cast decided to go "out" for some "cast bonding" to a local restaurant and bar. My hubby, John, and I were headed home, but "cast bonding" is a critical in theater to establish rapor among fellow castmates and make relationships believable on stage. So, we decided to go out for "a little while." There was a group of six or seven of us that made our way to the first stop... yes, the first stop. We arrived at around 10:00 PM. We ordered some appetizers, adult beverages and sat out on the deck to listen to the live music fill the night air... all while enjoying each other's company and "bonding." Well, at about 11:30 the manager came and asked us kindly to please leave. We decided we were having so much fun "bonding" that we walked across the street to the competing bar. It stayed open until 1:00 AM. When we arrived at our new location we heard the announcement, "last call!" So, we ordered a few pitchers for the group and proceeded to "bond" some more.
Before we knew it, it must've been 1:00 AM because we were the only ones left in the place and, again, the manager was asking us, kindly, to please leave. We still were having way too much fun, but gathered our belongings and moved to the parking lot out front to say our goodbyes. We took silly pictures of each other, laughed A LOT, told stories, made fun of each other (and of other people), shared war stories and all sorts of things that thespians do when we "bond"... we had a great time!
One of our castmates had a 1.5 hour drive to make only to get up and work at 7:00 that morning. Another had to stay up and study for school. Why do we do it? Good question... thespians are creative, crazy, fun, loving, zany, shy, goofy, unihibited individuals that enjoy being with each other. Especially if we're in a show together. We are, for the most part, individuals at first, but by the time the show is underway we're family. It's an amazing thing, theater... it's magic!
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
Back to the "research" title of this blog... after Friday night's rehearsal a few of the cast decided to go "out" for some "cast bonding" to a local restaurant and bar. My hubby, John, and I were headed home, but "cast bonding" is a critical in theater to establish rapor among fellow castmates and make relationships believable on stage. So, we decided to go out for "a little while." There was a group of six or seven of us that made our way to the first stop... yes, the first stop. We arrived at around 10:00 PM. We ordered some appetizers, adult beverages and sat out on the deck to listen to the live music fill the night air... all while enjoying each other's company and "bonding." Well, at about 11:30 the manager came and asked us kindly to please leave. We decided we were having so much fun "bonding" that we walked across the street to the competing bar. It stayed open until 1:00 AM. When we arrived at our new location we heard the announcement, "last call!" So, we ordered a few pitchers for the group and proceeded to "bond" some more.
Before we knew it, it must've been 1:00 AM because we were the only ones left in the place and, again, the manager was asking us, kindly, to please leave. We still were having way too much fun, but gathered our belongings and moved to the parking lot out front to say our goodbyes. We took silly pictures of each other, laughed A LOT, told stories, made fun of each other (and of other people), shared war stories and all sorts of things that thespians do when we "bond"... we had a great time!
One of our castmates had a 1.5 hour drive to make only to get up and work at 7:00 that morning. Another had to stay up and study for school. Why do we do it? Good question... thespians are creative, crazy, fun, loving, zany, shy, goofy, unihibited individuals that enjoy being with each other. Especially if we're in a show together. We are, for the most part, individuals at first, but by the time the show is underway we're family. It's an amazing thing, theater... it's magic!
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
Friday, September 3, 2010
Survey says...
Well, it seems that my Momma has been sending emails out about my blog <wink>... I just checked and my little blog has grown from my family viewership of 5 or 6 to 87 overnight. Wow! I just hope that you all have found what I have to write about worthwhile. As I mentioned in my "Welcome" post, I lead a busy and varied life, so I have a lot of things going on and many things to write about... there shouldn't be a lack of things to keep my fingers burning up.
So... from the looks of the survey I've had requests for some insight into my personal life (and one behind the scenes). This post could be a bit lengthy... grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your sipping pleasure may be and sit back for a while. There's a lot packed into my 40-something years :)
I'm a professional singer, actor and stage performer in the Central Texas Hill Country area. I was born and raised in south Texas, the youngest in a family of six singing siblings. That is where I feel I got my “ear for harmony”. Having come out last I had to fight to find a part in the musical mix that wasn’t already taken in order to be heard! I grew up in a neighborhood comprised primarily of boys and, by default, was a tomboy; learning to play football, basketball, baseball, roller skate, climb trees, ride bikes, and all the things that boys do… I could keep up with the toughest of them. That is when the stage performing bug first began to strike me. At the age of 5 my Mother started putting me in “Our Little Miss” beauty pageants in hopes of toning down the tomboy flavor of "her baby girl" to bring out the softer side. I donned the frilly dresses, stockings, and curled hair. I and managed to place in the top three successfully for a number of years, but soon grew weary of the pageant scene. I even took tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics for five years from “Miss Cissie’s School of Dance” to help with becoming a girl, but sports were running through my blood and everyday after school I’d rush outside to practice shooting hoops and roller skating, my two loves at the time.
After my fifth grade year I moved with my parents from the only home I’d ever known to a remote village in Indonesia for a year and a half. My father was in charge of a government experimental agricultural project. It was an amazing experience for me at that time in my life. I learned to speak Indonesian fluently and was the translator for my family. I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning my very first horse. Being the animal lover that I am, the villagers soon realized that they could bring any animal to my door and I’d buy what ever they had, with the exception of snakes! I soon had a virtual zoo; a cockatoo, a horse, two deer, three chickens, three monkeys, rice birds, and a strange little creature that was unidentifiable but had suction cups on its feet and could jump and stick from surface to surface.
It wasn’t until my eighth grade year that I discovered live theatre. Having been a tomboy and played sports my entire life, I wasn’t familiar with the arts other than singing in Church with my family. I went to see a production of “Annie Get Your Gun” and was mesmerized. That’s when I knew that I had to be on stage! The summer before I was a freshman in high school I auditioned for “The King & I” and was cast as a serving girl and featured dancer. That was the best summer ever! I learned that theater is family. I realized that this is what I wanted to do.
As a freshman in high school I returned to athletics, band, cheerleading and all the things that were familiar. I didn’t explore the drama department because, unfortunately, it conflicted with athletics in my school and was discouraged. Being a first string player I was torn between “sitting the bench” for missing practice for drama rehearsals and being at athletic practices, so I continued to participate in sports.
As a senior I was cast in the UIL One Act play, but had to turn down the role because my basketball coach gave me an ultimatum… "come to my practice or sit the bench!" Needless to say, I chose to play in my final year of basketball since we were a winning team and on track to win District. I had also traveled to San Antonio and auditioned for the short lived USFL San Antonio Gun Slingers to be one of their professional cheerleaders. I made the squad, but Saturday rehearsals in San Antonio would cause me to miss Saturday morning basketball practices and my coach gave the same ultimatum. I, again, chose basketball.
I was married right out of high school and had two terrific boys. I traveled with my first husband’s job quite a lot, but managed to take some post secondary education courses wherever we lived. While in the Rio Grande Valley I rediscovered the theater where I saw my first musical and auditioned for “Gypsy”. This time I took both my sons and we all auditioned. We all got parts. I was cast as “Electra”.
One of the things that makes my life interesting, I think, is that when I want something or set my mind on it, I usually get it. For instance, I wanted to work in radio, but there weren’t any openings so I offered to intern. The radio station assigned me as an intern under the Production Manager. I learned everything about producing commercials; how to write them, cut them, record them, etc. Then shortly after when the Production Manager resigned, I was offered the position. Likewise, when I moved to the Texas Hill Country I wanted to live on a farm and saw an ad for a farm and ranch manager. I’d never done that sort of work before, but I knew I could so I applied for the job. The closest thing I’d come to it was have a “zoo” in Indonesia. I secured an interview with the owner and talked compassionately about how I could take care of the administrative and physical aspects of the farm. I was offered the job and stayed in the position for three years. I even taught myself to drive a tractor, gave horses injections, and all sorts of things that I’d never done.
Shortly thereafter I moved to my present location and, thankfully, walked into Century 21 and met Shirley M. Shirley became my Realtor and my adopted Mother. She not only rented me a home, but introduced me to the theater community. She cast me in my first role with the Players’ in 1994, as Mary in “The Drunkard”. She cast me again in a few years later in “The Powder Puff Sheriff” as Willie Lovelace; a show where I met my best friend and current music partner in the trio Destination (an Andrews Sisters Review). Linda and I have been singing together in Destination for over 14 years. Our intricate three part harmonies are well known throughout the area.
I took a hiatus from acting and singing for a number of years to raise children and assist as guardian to my youngest son’s acting career while he was actively working. I learned a lot about the film business by watching him on set and observing the workings behind the scenes. I had the privilege of meeting many well known actors, directors, and producers during this time and seeing how the business works. This is one of the reasons why I've decided to pursue the film and producing side of the business at this time.
I am currenlty branching out… I've just signed with DVA Talent (http://www.dvatalent.com/) and have begun a series of acting classes for film. I have just formed a production company with my brother, Scot (web designer) and Gene (actor, writer, director) called Dedicated Works Productions. We are in the process of producing our first short film entitled “Ruth’s Locket” (http://www.ruths-locket.com/) about the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. It will be entered into all major film festivals.
I have performed in 8 movies, 2 television shows, 1 national commercial, 18 plays and I am the voice over talent for a national photo product. I sing professionally in my own vocal trio Destination as well as the swing band The Sentimental Journey Orchestra (http://www.sjoswing.com/).
I am currently in pre-production for the film trilogy "Masters of the Universe: Wizard of Stone Mountain" where I play The Sorceress (http://www.wizardofstonemountain.com/). I am currently in rehearsals for the stage production "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" where I portray Dorcus Bixby. The musical will open September 24, 2010.
The question I get asked most is, "Where do you find the time to do all that you do... and manage to do it so well?" My answer to that is... God has blessed me with really great examples in my parents and siblings. I've had a fortunate and healthy life. I'm surrounded by a wonderful husband, family, friends and an amazing support system.
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
So... from the looks of the survey I've had requests for some insight into my personal life (and one behind the scenes). This post could be a bit lengthy... grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your sipping pleasure may be and sit back for a while. There's a lot packed into my 40-something years :)
 |
| "Our Little Miss" Pageant Picture |
I'm a professional singer, actor and stage performer in the Central Texas Hill Country area. I was born and raised in south Texas, the youngest in a family of six singing siblings. That is where I feel I got my “ear for harmony”. Having come out last I had to fight to find a part in the musical mix that wasn’t already taken in order to be heard! I grew up in a neighborhood comprised primarily of boys and, by default, was a tomboy; learning to play football, basketball, baseball, roller skate, climb trees, ride bikes, and all the things that boys do… I could keep up with the toughest of them. That is when the stage performing bug first began to strike me. At the age of 5 my Mother started putting me in “Our Little Miss” beauty pageants in hopes of toning down the tomboy flavor of "her baby girl" to bring out the softer side. I donned the frilly dresses, stockings, and curled hair. I and managed to place in the top three successfully for a number of years, but soon grew weary of the pageant scene. I even took tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics for five years from “Miss Cissie’s School of Dance” to help with becoming a girl, but sports were running through my blood and everyday after school I’d rush outside to practice shooting hoops and roller skating, my two loves at the time.
After my fifth grade year I moved with my parents from the only home I’d ever known to a remote village in Indonesia for a year and a half. My father was in charge of a government experimental agricultural project. It was an amazing experience for me at that time in my life. I learned to speak Indonesian fluently and was the translator for my family. I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning my very first horse. Being the animal lover that I am, the villagers soon realized that they could bring any animal to my door and I’d buy what ever they had, with the exception of snakes! I soon had a virtual zoo; a cockatoo, a horse, two deer, three chickens, three monkeys, rice birds, and a strange little creature that was unidentifiable but had suction cups on its feet and could jump and stick from surface to surface.
It wasn’t until my eighth grade year that I discovered live theatre. Having been a tomboy and played sports my entire life, I wasn’t familiar with the arts other than singing in Church with my family. I went to see a production of “Annie Get Your Gun” and was mesmerized. That’s when I knew that I had to be on stage! The summer before I was a freshman in high school I auditioned for “The King & I” and was cast as a serving girl and featured dancer. That was the best summer ever! I learned that theater is family. I realized that this is what I wanted to do.
As a freshman in high school I returned to athletics, band, cheerleading and all the things that were familiar. I didn’t explore the drama department because, unfortunately, it conflicted with athletics in my school and was discouraged. Being a first string player I was torn between “sitting the bench” for missing practice for drama rehearsals and being at athletic practices, so I continued to participate in sports.
As a senior I was cast in the UIL One Act play, but had to turn down the role because my basketball coach gave me an ultimatum… "come to my practice or sit the bench!" Needless to say, I chose to play in my final year of basketball since we were a winning team and on track to win District. I had also traveled to San Antonio and auditioned for the short lived USFL San Antonio Gun Slingers to be one of their professional cheerleaders. I made the squad, but Saturday rehearsals in San Antonio would cause me to miss Saturday morning basketball practices and my coach gave the same ultimatum. I, again, chose basketball.
I was married right out of high school and had two terrific boys. I traveled with my first husband’s job quite a lot, but managed to take some post secondary education courses wherever we lived. While in the Rio Grande Valley I rediscovered the theater where I saw my first musical and auditioned for “Gypsy”. This time I took both my sons and we all auditioned. We all got parts. I was cast as “Electra”.
One of the things that makes my life interesting, I think, is that when I want something or set my mind on it, I usually get it. For instance, I wanted to work in radio, but there weren’t any openings so I offered to intern. The radio station assigned me as an intern under the Production Manager. I learned everything about producing commercials; how to write them, cut them, record them, etc. Then shortly after when the Production Manager resigned, I was offered the position. Likewise, when I moved to the Texas Hill Country I wanted to live on a farm and saw an ad for a farm and ranch manager. I’d never done that sort of work before, but I knew I could so I applied for the job. The closest thing I’d come to it was have a “zoo” in Indonesia. I secured an interview with the owner and talked compassionately about how I could take care of the administrative and physical aspects of the farm. I was offered the job and stayed in the position for three years. I even taught myself to drive a tractor, gave horses injections, and all sorts of things that I’d never done.
Shortly thereafter I moved to my present location and, thankfully, walked into Century 21 and met Shirley M. Shirley became my Realtor and my adopted Mother. She not only rented me a home, but introduced me to the theater community. She cast me in my first role with the Players’ in 1994, as Mary in “The Drunkard”. She cast me again in a few years later in “The Powder Puff Sheriff” as Willie Lovelace; a show where I met my best friend and current music partner in the trio Destination (an Andrews Sisters Review). Linda and I have been singing together in Destination for over 14 years. Our intricate three part harmonies are well known throughout the area.
 |
| Bryan on the set of "The Patriot" |
I took a hiatus from acting and singing for a number of years to raise children and assist as guardian to my youngest son’s acting career while he was actively working. I learned a lot about the film business by watching him on set and observing the workings behind the scenes. I had the privilege of meeting many well known actors, directors, and producers during this time and seeing how the business works. This is one of the reasons why I've decided to pursue the film and producing side of the business at this time.
 |
| Piercarlo Abate Session |
I am currenlty branching out… I've just signed with DVA Talent (http://www.dvatalent.com/) and have begun a series of acting classes for film. I have just formed a production company with my brother, Scot (web designer) and Gene (actor, writer, director) called Dedicated Works Productions. We are in the process of producing our first short film entitled “Ruth’s Locket” (http://www.ruths-locket.com/) about the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. It will be entered into all major film festivals.
I have performed in 8 movies, 2 television shows, 1 national commercial, 18 plays and I am the voice over talent for a national photo product. I sing professionally in my own vocal trio Destination as well as the swing band The Sentimental Journey Orchestra (http://www.sjoswing.com/).
 |
| "MOTU:WOSM"The Sorceress |
The question I get asked most is, "Where do you find the time to do all that you do... and manage to do it so well?" My answer to that is... God has blessed me with really great examples in my parents and siblings. I've had a fortunate and healthy life. I'm surrounded by a wonderful husband, family, friends and an amazing support system.
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Dedicated Works Productions
Today, in between the normal 7:00 to 3:30 day job, I've caught moments to think about the production company that I've recently formed with my brother, Scot, and acting colleague, Gene.
In 2008 Gene wrote a screenplay entitled "Ruth's Locket"... a poignant story about a woman suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. Though she was robbed of her memory, the feelings that she still has about her first young, true love still linger... they linger strong enough to break through the disease that is crippling her.
When I met Gene in 2010 during a production of "Grease," he introduced me to his screenplay and I knew I wanted to be involved. Having just lost my father to illness the year prior and seeing him being admitted to nursing homes and hospitals, one right after the other made me aware of everyone else that I came in contact with... people like Ruth. I was so moved after reading the script that I had to be part of the process. Once I became involved, as a Producer, I enlisted the help of my brother, Scot, who is a web designer and videographer. We needed a website to promote "Ruth's Locket"! After the three of us began to work together, and work together well, we knew we were on to something and wanted to continue down this path. That's when we formed Dedicated Works Productions.... we are each dedicated to our crafts, dedicated to one another and dedicated to producing quality work.
We have on board for this film many, many talented and quality professional cast and crew, including our Director of Photography, Layton Blaylock. For more information about our project, the cast, the crew and to donate to see this project to fruition, please visit our web site at http://www.ruths-locket.com/.
Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
In 2008 Gene wrote a screenplay entitled "Ruth's Locket"... a poignant story about a woman suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. Though she was robbed of her memory, the feelings that she still has about her first young, true love still linger... they linger strong enough to break through the disease that is crippling her.
When I met Gene in 2010 during a production of "Grease," he introduced me to his screenplay and I knew I wanted to be involved. Having just lost my father to illness the year prior and seeing him being admitted to nursing homes and hospitals, one right after the other made me aware of everyone else that I came in contact with... people like Ruth. I was so moved after reading the script that I had to be part of the process. Once I became involved, as a Producer, I enlisted the help of my brother, Scot, who is a web designer and videographer. We needed a website to promote "Ruth's Locket"! After the three of us began to work together, and work together well, we knew we were on to something and wanted to continue down this path. That's when we formed Dedicated Works Productions.... we are each dedicated to our crafts, dedicated to one another and dedicated to producing quality work.Thanks... and stay tuned!
Jules*
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Welcome!
I am new to blogging... It seems like everyone is "doing it," so I thought I would give it a try. I've always enjoyed writing, I have a very busy life and am involved in a lot of different things... so I figured, why not!
I am just like most of you... I work an 8 hour day to pay the bills so I can do what I *really* love to do. The thing that I really love doing is performing! Most of what I write about will probably center around that, but feel free to ask me what ever you'd like and I'll try to answer if I can.
I am currently in rehearsals for a stage production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". I play the character "Dorcus Bixby" (great name, I know!), but, it is the character that Julie Newmar made famous in the movie version before she went on to become the first Cat Woman! Rarrr! Anyway, I am busy dancing my booty off 4 hours a day every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a few days of the week in between.... It's a great weight loss and cardio program. Besides that, I've also just been in a few scenes of episode 5 of the new series (soon to be released) of "My Generation". It will premier on September 23 on ABC. It should be a great new series so be sure to watch! I've also just auditioned for the stage production of "Pinocchio"... we'll see what happens there.
Stay tuned :)
Jules*
I am just like most of you... I work an 8 hour day to pay the bills so I can do what I *really* love to do. The thing that I really love doing is performing! Most of what I write about will probably center around that, but feel free to ask me what ever you'd like and I'll try to answer if I can.
I am currently in rehearsals for a stage production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". I play the character "Dorcus Bixby" (great name, I know!), but, it is the character that Julie Newmar made famous in the movie version before she went on to become the first Cat Woman! Rarrr! Anyway, I am busy dancing my booty off 4 hours a day every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a few days of the week in between.... It's a great weight loss and cardio program. Besides that, I've also just been in a few scenes of episode 5 of the new series (soon to be released) of "My Generation". It will premier on September 23 on ABC. It should be a great new series so be sure to watch! I've also just auditioned for the stage production of "Pinocchio"... we'll see what happens there.
Stay tuned :)
Jules*
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