Category Archives: Acting

Imposters

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts –  Lately I’ve been feeling unsuccessful. Yet the thing is, a whole lot of things are happening which some people would consider success. Which people? People in my head? No, real … Continue reading

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The house, the book and the song

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts –  I bought a house. It has lots of problems. But it’s on a quiet street in a safe neighborhood near everyone I used to love. And yet they’re not really … Continue reading

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A Lesson from the Afterlife

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts –  It is good to be the Queen. Until your new husband accidentally poisons you to death in trying to kill your child when he is home on a sabbatical from … Continue reading

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Believe!

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts –  When I was a very young person, people told me over and over that I should only pursue the arts if I really loved them. To me this felt like … Continue reading

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Cold Teeth and Overhead Lights

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts –  As I rushed down the oceanside promenade, the blowing rain whipped my hair into my mouth. Despite my repeated efforts to push it back under my hood, it seemed to … Continue reading

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Uninvited

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts – Lately I have been thinking about rape. A tough subject, I know. However, sometimes when people talk about the elephant on the table it helps the other baby elephants in … Continue reading

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Orphan Rituals

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts – This morning I woke up out of breath. It’s a usual thing…maybe it’s allergies, maybe I have emphysema. Who knows? These are the kinds of crazy thoughts I have.  Every … Continue reading

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The Art of the Day Job

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts – A couple of years ago when I was working as a featured actor on a commercial, a couple of extras waiting to go on asked me if performing was all … Continue reading

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Choosing Chaos

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts – When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being free.  Free not to have to pretend to be happy or smart or foolish.   Free to pursue my dreams … Continue reading

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Houses with Secret Rooms

A Big Life: Encouragement for People in the Arts  – When I was a little girl I used to sit in the fields above my house on a hill and hide in the tall grass. I would tramp it down … Continue reading

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