Current Events

This one has to be shorter(sigh of relief from the audience) than most others, but you can count on me to share some deeper thoughts later.

So, this week I stayed pretty busy.

I went out on an infomercial audition in Studio City. It was for the shake weight; if I don't get a callback I may be dodging a Freudian bullet of sorts. Google the shake weight, and you'll see what I mean.

I attended both classes, which were great as always. I have more homework this time, and I've been invited to take a more active role in the development of a film that is being spawned from the class at Discovery management; James has noticed and appreciates that I put more time and depth of thought into my writing for the class, so we met privately Friday to brainstorm. I'm excited, because we, the members of this class, will be making an ensemble short film, I'm guessing, in early 2010. James is very outside the box and has good directing chops; I think it will be a pleasure working with him

I was a guest during a couple hours worth of voice over production at 5 guys named Moe, inc. Didn't realize it at the time, but the woman speaking into the microphone for the Anime feature was none other than Debi Derryberry, the voice talent behind Jimmy Neutron.

On Monday of next week, I have a meeting with Penny at Rage Talent to discuss fit modeling.

On Wednesday, I have an improv audition at L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre. It's a 90 minute audition, so I'll be doing some sharpening up, maybe watch a bit of Who's Line Is It Anyway? beforehand.

Next week, I'm doing a mailing to CD's and agents and printing a new round of headshots; you just can't have enough of those.

And it doesn't look like I got the job as a personal assistant to Charlie, but I won't give up all hope until next week. They didn't actually say when they'd be making their final decision, but I know they were looking to fill the position soon and had the last of their interviews this past week. Maybe they'll be thinking it over during the weekend. In the meantime, there's a lot more searching of craigslist.com to be done, and I have a substitute teaching app to turn in next week as well.

Oh, and more exciting news, I'm attending a salute to 80's comedy at the Television Academy on November 16th.

Pictures!

If you want to see pictures from my trip to San Francisco, go here:

http://joshuadavis.shutterfly.com/

There taken by two different people, so you get different perspectives on some of the same events. Also, the pictures won't tell you that we also went Salsa dancing, attended an international festival, and ate sourdough bread at the world Boudin, I think, at or near the Fisherman's Wharf.

The pictures of the landscape early in the album were taken while I was riding the Am Trak. Hope you enjoy!

Sometimes, you have to go looking for ways to help people...

10/23

...and sometimes, a little old lady from Hong Kong just fall right into your lap, figuratively speaking anyway. That would have made a good story even better, but I try not to embellish an awful lot.

Her name was Linda, or at least, that’s the name her English teacher gave her those many years ago. I never did ask her real name; almost got the feeling it didn't matter anymore. She immigrated to the U.S. sometime during the 1970’s, went back home briefly during the 1980’s, and finally returned to the United States to continue the process of assimilation she had eagerly started. Now, the decades have passed, she doesn’t like the pace any more, and she is an, “old woman.” “People are moving every where so quickly.” Things are moving too fast.

Funny how, every so often, a life or two will line up at just the right moment. Earlier in the day I had decided to take a stroll through Woodbridge Park in Studio City, took my time too. If not for that miniature escapade, I wouldn’t have made it to the subway stop at Universal (Studio) City when I did, in time to help two elderly Asian women figure out what subway to get on, wouldn’t have chatted with two more elderly women from Austria and Germany who were on holiday and wondering if I were Swiss because of the Swiss cross they saw on my on my luggage. “I’m not Swiss, but I buy from them,’ I told them. “Ah, it is very expensive.” I thought to myself, “Yeah, that would be true if my Swiss luggage weren’t made in China like every thing else.” Actually though, the luggage is serving me very well right now, so I won’t fault the Swiss for subbing their name and logo out just yet; I liked the price, and that toothpick comes in handy.

When I found Linda, actually, when she found me, I was on my way to wait my turn on the information phone at Union Station to plan my trip back into the city. She asked for help. “Do you know how to get here?” I looked at her address. “No I don’t,” I answered, “but I can at least find it in my Thomas Guide, and we can go from there.” I also mentioned her best bet would probably be the phone, but she had waited so long as it was for the man in front of her to be finished. Anyway, I read the address and had just located the boulevard she needed to travel to when the man hung up the phone. She asked me if I would make the call and elaborated further: “I lost my teeth and they say so much on those things.” I told her no problem. She didn’t realize it yet, but I had already signed a contract with myself mentally which stated I would not leave her side until being quite certain she was on her way to her destination. I spoke with the operator and wrote down everything she said, every directive. I checked it twice with them, thanked them and hung up the phone that had probably been held and spoken into dozens, hundreds, but hopefully not thousands, of people between disinfections. I really need to bring some alcohol wipes with me from here on out. I showed her what I had written down and tore the page out of the notebook to give it to her. We went over the directions, and I found another metro employee to tell us which entrance we needed. “That one, right there,” she told us. Very good; I like short trips. Of course we did have to find the intersection for the bus stop, so I walked her over to the street sign I’d spotted from a distance. “You so nice, so very nice,” she kept saying. I don’t know about that; I think the young and strong have a solemn duty to protect and assist the elderly who need it, or anyone for that matter. Seems like that makes me a little bit old fashioned in this town, but I guess it makes me nice too. We waited at the bus stop, until we discovered the buses we needed were stopping on the other side of the street. Yeah, and about that, never said I was an expert on this public transit thing, I am still learning after all, but if I’d taken a quick peak at the light of the sun, it might have dawned on me. Get it, “dawned,” on me?? Nya, nya, nya! Oh well, more time with a perfectly wonderful stranger. We crossed the street and chose our little waiting area by the bus station, and, literally, we missed another bus even though we were on the correct side of the street. We were, as it were, still on the wrong side of the bench enclosure, such that when her bus pulled up behind the bus in front of it, we didn’t see it until it was taking off like a bat out of hell dreams about. We agreed it might be wise to plant our asses securely in the bench; no missing the next one. We talked a little more about why I came here, where I’m from, where she was from, where she lives now, the typical things people make small talk about I guess. I was compelled to give her my phone number and name on a piece of paper in case she ever needed help again; you never know, I could be around again. I asked her if she wanted my picture for when I’m famous. “I’ve got a bunch of them.” I was shuffling through, deciding which one I wanted to give her, when her bus came, making my choice easier. “Guess it’s this one,” I muttered under my breath, and I handed it to her. I might have been able to ask her more, if things didn’t move along so damn quickly. I will say though, nothing could compare with knowing I arrived there when she needed me because I had taken a little extra time to get back to the station that day.

Twice in One Day

Enjoy it folks; I doubt I'll not be blogging twice a day unless we discover it cures cancer, will make me filthy stinking rich...or brings Jack Kerouac back from the dead. Man that would be cool.

I have been here one week, and about this time, I ought to be, well, would usually be, second guessing myself in matters great and small. Everything from coming at all, mixed with a little what's the meaning of life, and let's not forget, umm, well, everything else I guess: past, present and future concerns. I'll admit, coming out here has brought great elation, but also some trepidation. There's an evil voice of self doubt that asks me what the hell makes me think I've got what it takes. There is evidence to suggest I have what it takes, but I'll freely admit that I don't always know the answer to that question. Acts of bravery and performance happen in the moment, and only in the moment. So, what will be will be and at any moment you are as prepared as you are ever going to be for the task at hand. So buck up! Negativity is not what I want to be about any more, so what I'm doing instead is paying attention to what has been accomplished so far, counting my blessings to find out how rich I really am if you will.

I've been blessed...

- to have moved here at all. (okay, that one is rather obvious, but for me it means following and being proactive in my destiny and walking through doors that God has opened, most graciously I might add. That's kind of a big deal, and not easily decided on.)
-integrated with a host family who is completely comfortable with me being here, which in and of itself is nothing short of providential.
-to have made it to my first class of the, "semester." It was a creative experience in which eight students wrote a page of script and performed it in cold read fashion with each other. It was very rewarding. Taught by James Arlen, it is not to be missed; I think, based on my first meeting with him, he is a gifted director. A little nicer than what I'm used to, but hey, no one's perfect. ;)
-to have made it to the beach(see photos).
-to have been exercising regularly (this means swimming, walking, stretching, and good ol' calisthenics.) My hip flexor remains displeased, so I see a lot of swimming and little running in my future(for now), which is ok actually.
-to have meaningful interaction(s) with every member of my host family
-to have achieved my goal of emailing almost every contact from IMTA I'd have wanted to get in touch with, minus one, who's address I'll have soon enough.
-to have had a great sense of peace throughout this process
-to have started juggling again and working on new tricks even.
-to have found the literature that will help me with the next step of finding an agent
-to have prayed more
-to have asked myself bigger more challenging questions about life, love, and other miseries, mysteries, I meant mysteries. :)

They're adding up now. There are others, but my point here is that you don't have to look far to see numerous accomplishments; you do need to know where to look.
This week will be challenging for me on this front as I look for the right work and representation. At times, I know I'll feel doubtful, frustrated and impatient, but I also know that if I'm patient, abiding in Love, and keep my perspective, I'll be able to right a blog similar to this a week from now.

Thought: Unremarkable moments are still moments nonetheless, and great lives are full of them too. Goodnight, and God bless you.
jD

Pictures-Third Time's the Charm

Hey, Folks.

It was brought to my attention that pictures were not viewable with the link I posted earlier. Then the next link was also incorrect.

This is definitely going to work. I posted them to my share site.

http://joshuadavis.shutterfly.com/

At last, success is ours!

I'll have more to actually write later. For now, enjoy Redando Beach and the plane ride!


jD

So a gay guy, a medicinal marijuana user, and a nice Christian boy from rural Maine walk, arm in arm, into a bar...

...No, you're not in one of those cliche bar jokes; it's just another day in L.A.!

Wednesday afternoon, in preparation for taking my class in the city, I decided to at long last venture forth into the great unknown frontier of the L.A. public transportation system, also known as, *drumroll*, The Metrolink (rails, subways, buses etc...) During my subway ride, I exited a little too early at Hollywood/Vine and stood there sort of staring at the street. Not really much to see where I was, however, someone thought very differently about that. I turned to go back down to the subway, when, all of a sudden, this guy approaches me, puts his hand on my arm, leans in close, and says, "Can I just give you a complement? You are sooo sexy." I suppressed a smile. He smirked and continued on his merry way. Smelled like he'd had enough rum to choke ten sailors, but hey, a compliment is a compliment, right? Maybe I got what it takes to make it in this town after all.

Fast forward to later that evening, I was now safely back from a successful scouting trip and making my way back to Glendora from the Covina train station. Then I heard footsteps coming up behind me fast enough to overtake me, and before long I was acquainted with a man who turned out to be a fellow rider on the train. We got talking, ok, well he did most of the talking, and he told me about his upcoming trip to Washington D.C... for a medical marijuana rally, fifteen thousand strong too. Some other details about medical marijuana use in L.A. followed and how law enforcement, they'll never shut down the, "clinics." The best part was when he showed me a picture of the guy who's going to personally hand a signed petition to President Obama at the end of the rally. Cool, float on past that secret service; works every time. I later declined to join him in a friendly bowl behind the bushes in preference of sleep, my number one drug of choice. Truly though, my heart went out to him, and I hope my manner spoke to him of something more.

So, I'm really tired, and I haven't even gotten to the events of the last two days, so I'm going to write the readers digest summary: Class last night was creative and fun, and I'm looking forward to the next one; stayed with friend down the street from back east(funny how that worked out); Spent a lot of time walking up Ventura Blvd. in search of Samuel French performing arts bookstore(an actor could lose himself in there); picked up agency and casting director guides this while there as well as a book about how to effectively interview with agents and casting directors and managers, oh my(notice a pattern?); took the bus back to subway, came back here to my home away from home, chatted with Patricia for some time.

Need to really start knocking down some doors next week and reading up on who's who this weekend now that I know my way around a little better. Also, I picked up a weekly L.A. magazine with a lot about the local scene; looks like some fun stuff in the arts coming up, and a good guide in general (best vinyl record stores, restaurants, Japanese public baths, sex stores, you know, the usual). Found a park in universal city that will make a good place to do laps and other fitness related tasks when my hip flexor isn't totally freaking out at the mere thought of jogging(really bugging me at the moment, but I'll pamper it for a while). That's all folks. Thanks for your patience!
jD

A Blessing

I rarely read at night, especially when I'm tired, but I'm glad that last night was different. Last night, I read one of my favorite Christian authors: John Eldredge. Besides his openess into his own struggles as a man, besides the insight he provides to others regarding their heart connection to that of the Master's, and besides what he offers to those on the masculine spiritual journey, the thing I might like best about Eldrege's work has nothing to do with the quality of the work itself, but the impecable timing with which I chose to read it. So, in Walking with God, one of his more recent books, I read last night about the time that he(Eldredge) had discovered a great little brook, rarely fished. So, he decided to go back. He took his fly rod and hiked up the Bear River to find another portion of this brook that he desperately wanted to fish again. He decided to fish the Bear River along the way, and with his first cast caught a 13 inch rainbow trout, followed by catch after catch of about half a dozen or so fish, but always fixated on the brook he was making his way to. To his great disappointment he discovered that the portion of the brook he'd found which dumped into the Bear was to rapid for good fishing. He'd missed the joy of the good fishing that had been given him on the path while he focused on a dream really of a brook that offered nothing at all.

Back to what I was saying about timing, yesterday, I spent a lot of time online. God, I hate that word sometimes. Online... does it sicken anyone else the way it sickens me? Yeah it's helpful, but it's so vast and so...distracting. To me, it's the pinnacle of being offline from the rest of life. I spent all day looking for apartment ads, and I found many that intrigued me. By the time I read one, a dozen more were posted on craigslist.org. I couldn't help wondering if I was walking the cart before the horse. And pardon me, but can anyone tell me just which does come first, the chicken or the egg? My intentions were pure and even just: be not a burden to the family you are staying with. Sounds good right? Almost... godly? But what it translated into was me running like a chicken with it's head cut off, never mind what happened to the egg as I let it roll out of the basket, down off the counter and onto the floor. Splat! I met God in prayer with a question on my heart. Am I setting myself up to miss the joys of the journey on my way to the destination God? Do you want me to stay here with these people, the Curleys, while I adjust to the biggest move of my life? Do you really care that much?

Before he left today, Bob told me not to feel as though I had to get my own place right away. In fact he encouraged me to stay. "This move is bigger than you probably realize, and I've made that move before." Wow. Did I even say amen yet before receiving my answer? I'm not a burden at all. So often, the voice in my ear tells me, "Don't be a burden to anything or anyone." Rush through life and grab the answers in the fast lane; maybe grab a little happy meal quip on your way past the drive through of life. I want a feast! God's telling us to give Him the burden; He insists on it. Yet my response so often is just to march to the sea, wade in, and hope that He'll rescue me...And he does. This time though, He stopped me in my tracks, and thank God for my plans being thwarted. Now I can hurry up and relax. Take a train ride today, learn my way around, make it more my home, look for work, see what happens, and most of all, enjoy the ride.
Cheers, mates!

First Day in California

So, not a whole lot to say about yesterday except I made it safely as planned without losing any luggage. I wasn't at the baggage claim more than five minutes when I turned around and saw my name in black and white on a small piece of sign board, held by Pastor Bob Curley himself. Smart cookie that man, because I hadn't even saved his cell phone(turned out to be his home number that I had). That served as a further reminder of God's amazing grace, even in the minutia of life, in the wake of my dropping the big details. Anyway, he picked me up with his son Tom, and we took a quick detour so that I could see the Pacific Ocean on my first day in the city. Tom's a good resource on how to be where you need to be and not be where you never want to be(that's kind of catchy, song anyone?) I have pictures from the flight and the sand and surf, and when I figure out how, I will attach them to the blog or email them if it's faster. Actually, I'll give you a link to my shutterfly, and you can see them there.

http://joshuadavis.shutterfly.com/

I've decided that mornings will be my blogging/devotional and prayer time. People here rise at about 6 on, so it's fairly easy for me to get up and do my thing right after.

That's all for now.

jD