Release spontaneity Connect with the power of your breath Move out of your head & into the present moment Discover the joy of your work Get yourself a new you and a better life in the deal.
"Actors are always looking at other actors and saying why can't I do that, they're so brilliant, and why can't I be like him or her. And actually, all you really have is yourself. And it's finding the truth of yourself that you have to present on stage and in the film." - Helen Mirren
Home
Child P.O.W.
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 00:00
Friend, colleague and workshop participant Christine Fry has written the screenplay for Child P.O.W.
This is the true story of Alice Finch and her view of World War II while she and her mother were held captive in a Japanese prisoner of war camp for 4 years.
Ever notice how we Americans run away from death? Get terminally sick....eeuu...a violent end and we want a quick-take-care-of-it or a "Can't you just airbrush them to the next world and leave me the postcard?"
My first experience with death is with my dad and mom. They get to stay in their homes and Hospice happens. Ah, Hospice...the dailys of life get done by someone else (that's me and a few others). Food fixing, feeding, the wait for chewing and swallowing, pillow fluffing, hair combing, book reading, bathroom travel until the body decides bed is better.
Dad smiles thru his semi-coma, Mom laughs at my jokes. We hug and kiss. A lot. My heart starts to heal. Their new beginnings are on a cloudy early September morning in '04 and a warm sunny May evening in '07. All of us are there to say goodbye.
I am one of the fortunate ones. There is old age for Mom and Dad. No dreaded phone call, tragic accident, or natural disaster.
The night before the earthquake hits in Haiti I watch Departures . Death is on my mind. The story weaves around loss of a dad, a job, a love and the the regaining of it all in a bumble stumble creation that is floated with a musical score I'd be happy to have at my funeral. I cringe, laugh, and wring out some tissues before the ending credits. Beauty and kindness are expressed with an elegance in this hard to deal with reality of sending one on their way into the next life.
May we do and be what we can to make "ugly" life beautiful. One Days Wages is one of the many organizations helping Haiti.
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 May 2010 12:38 )
Clubbing for the New Year
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 01 January 2010 00:00
As designated driver I keep my cool and experience no alcohol veins. At bar #6 we stop to play pool.
Thanks Dad for my jr. hi days of cuing me in (pun intended) on how to break those balls into waiting pockets.
My date tells me he has informed my opponent that I worked my way through college playing pool. Without blinking, I smile and embrace the lie. I grab a cue stick, chalk it, and proceed to break the rack. Two balls go in. I see surprise across the table. I poker face when more balls drop. It is a close game but Chef Shannon from New York wins. I hold my own in this unplanned improvisation.
Here's to a New Year where we all make choices to embrace the difficult. Where behavior precedes feeling and just maybe turns into playfulness that that makes us smile.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 May 2010 21:31 )
Young at Heart for Another Year Ahead
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 11 December 2009 00:00
Joe Benoit aged 83 Helen Boston aged 76 Louise Canady aged 77 Elaine Fligman aged 83 Jean Florio aged 83 Len Fontaine aged 86 Stan Goldman aged 76 Jeanne Hatch aged 79 Eileen Hall aged 92 Donald Jones aged 76
No, it's not an obit shout-out. My Netflix queue spit out a documentary that featured all these singers. Young at Heart inspired, brought the tears, made me laugh out loud, and made me grab my eraser and clear my chalkboard of complaints. Happy Birthday to me. Here's to 40 more. Never too old to rock!
Last Updated ( Saturday, 12 December 2009 16:01 )
How You Got Into Debt and Why It Matters
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Tuesday, 24 November 2009 00:00
Give yourself a gift for the upcoming holidays so you will be able to give MORE.
Yes, the perfect film to inspire, and help you truly enjoy this time for shiny boxes dazzled in ribbon goodies.
Maxed Out was released in 2006. Way before our current predicament.
A documentary by James D. Scurlock sure to make you sit up and check your wallet to see if any real money still exists.
By the end of the film I had exhaled many a "whoa" and "what?". At one point I heard myself saying, "I love this woman."
Far be it from me to influence your viewing habits. But if you don't rent this... (now available on the free Netflix queue) you may find a little voice whining a whisper in your ear come January 1st..."
I don't have to tell you what it will be saying. You already know.
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 May 2010 12:42 )
...But Not a Drop to Drink
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 06 November 2009 00:00
Water: Crisis or shortage? Many say crisis because all living things on this planet including many of the products we make all need water. The facts and faces are all there.
Irena Salina's 2008 documentary "Flow", raises the red flag on corporations, delves into the why and what for concerning the lack of access to clean water that half the planet deals with daily. She gets my attention with all that and more.
Truths that are telling:
Every day about 10,000 kids 5 and under in Third World countries die by a water bourne illness.
70% of the earth is covered with water.
3% is fresh water with only 1% drinkable. Stretch that out to over 6 billion earthlings.
39,000 gallons of water are used in manufacturing one car.
Pepsi, Coca Cola, and Nestle (in looking for the most pristine water for their concoctions) have caused more than a stir in some communities.
ARTICLE 31: Everyone has the right to clean and accessible water, adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family, and no one shall be deprived of such access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstance.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 November 2009 12:54 )
Swimming in Swine Flu
Written by Kay LaVergne Jaz
Friday, 16 October 2009 00:00
Hmmm. Caught me by surprise.
Swine flu in all it's "glory" this week.
By Wednesday night a 102+ fever starts to burn away the nasties.
I follow the basic rules of dealing with this virus.
Water. Rest. Stay inside. I read. I write. I catch up on films.
I prop open the sliding door so I can smell the wet air bundled up in my green velour blanket sipping my breathe easy tea.
This is nothing compared to Malaria. I rise to the lessor challenge with a secret smile.
I envelope the circumstances with a vast array of colors. I let them dance me, enjoying my improvised lesson in the unexpected.
As designated driver I keep my cool and experience no alcohol veins. At bar #6 we stop to play pool.
Hmmm. Caught me by surprise.
