Tag Archives: london

The Stillness of Reading, Writing & Sitting at Desks & Pianos

I’ve always had an obsession with wanting to read more. Reading for me is all about keeping my interest and keeping me still enough, not to do, or move or get. That’s why I love desks and pianos. They keep me still. Having just read (at my desk) and really enjoyed it: NY Times “Jonathan Franzen is Fine With All of It.” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, it was enlightening to read an article, about an author that kept me reading. Threads of interest. Facts about leaving NYC for Cali, seabirds, and TV production. Like the end of projects when projects do not go to fruition, and how the bigger it gets… maybe the more challenging it gets to keep the author’s original intention? And how a successful author, takes it all in. Change. It’s always about change, in any given moment, hour or day. Maybe that’s why I love familiar and items that have stood the test of time. Like my car, FLO. Familiar vs change. 

I often times think when a writer is really successful, they don’t have to juggle disappointments with royalties and licensing fees. How uplifting to better understand success as I marinate in my own recent success and experiences in London launching my one woman show THE PASS. There were so many in’s and out’s, so much to handle before, during and after. And wow have I learned. 

I suggest reading the article, mentioned above, it’s really good. And good content these days, well written, well, let’s just say the market is bursting with so much (_________) (you fill in the word), Go on write it in! You have a voice. 

Which brings me to my new song YOUR VOICE. Stand back, it’s a really good one. More to follow…

today’s google image 

And when I looked for an image to go with the article, look what showed up. Happy birthday Nelly Sachs. Pretty cool. 

Traveling Days: New York to London to New York to Aventura to Atlanta and then home!

young girlSince September 20th I have been working, creating, socializing, helping family and exploring these three cities. It has been a packed 25 days and will write much more when I get home. London was a dream come true and the response to THE PASS has been so very positive, it is very rewarding. Here are links to reviews and to what people are saying.

My PR work is also soaring…we had a great book launch party in Atlanta, Georgia for Dr. Kela Henry,  NIA & THE NUMBERS GAME, a project we have been working on for years and one very close to my heart. Helping teenage girls finding their way in these wild times! Click Here.

And my trip to Florida, in the middle of it all, was all about my 91 year old dad. He fell while I was in London…my heart is full.

A note I left my dad by his bed, as he lies in rehab struggling with more than his fractured tibia: “Dad I love you, you taught me to take chances.”

Daughter to Father…

more to follow…

Great Britain: The Sum of Our Parts

flag UKWith the up coming premiere of THE PASS in London at The Playground Theatre, and work at KMPR, my life is pretty full and time has become a bit precious. However today as I look back at my time in London and all the amazing people I have known and worked with over the years that are British, I realize the impact Britain has had on my life. Aside from it providing my first big success with  Lucky Stars, there have been so many talented and supportive people both while living in London and while living in West Hollywood and NYC that have helped me with my music career. They have also influenced me personally. They are  the sum of all my parts. You know who you are. Forever grateful.

THE PASS LONDON 2018

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At the end of 2017 I was busy wrapping up a hundred details, tying loose ends as if they were bows on packages, ensuring everything was tidy and pristine. Now 2018 has come and a whole new year lies ahead, a wide-open expanse of time like a prairie covered in snow–it’s beautiful, exciting and scary. It’s the season to leave details behind and to concentrate on the big picture.

I’ve set amazing goals for 2018. One goal is to bring my show THE PASS to London. I’m setting my sights on performing my live show in theaters throughout the UK (where I have a fan base from my hit “Lucky Stars” with Dean Friedman), then throughout the USA. Obviously this goal will have to be broken down into little pieces, like a disassembled stage set, to make its achievement manageable. I’ll do that next week. For today, a day of freezing temps, (NYC) bright sky, brilliant sun and impending snow alerts, I’m going to savor the driving ambition, the sheer audacity of my idea. I can see my name and THE PASS in lights across a large white billboard–and it looks good; it makes my toes tingle.

As we formulate our New Year’s resolutions, which will have to be carried out with sweat, sacrifice and discipline, let’s all take a moment to savor how wonderful it is to dream, and to appreciate the future stretching out before us, fresh as snow, just waiting for our footprints.

 

Racing Through The Snow

snowWinter is often seen as down-time, a season to lie low and rejuvenate while waiting for warm weather to return. But as the cold comes and the year turns, I am feeling invigorated and living for new challenges.

One thing I’m concentrating on is the promotion of my one-woman musical production THE PASS. As 2018 is the 40th anniversary of the release of my and Dean Friedman’s hit song, “Lucky Stars”, I’m especially eager to bring THE PASS to London next fall. So I’m actively seeking a theater and professional representation. Can’t wait to cross The Pond again–I lived in the UK for four years and have nothing but stellar memories.

I’m also planning on how to feature songs in my music catalog, administered by BMG, on film and TV. We all know how just the right song adds spice to a drama or enhances the best moment in a love story. So I’m eager to lend my voice, and the voice of artists I represent such as Nicole Berke, to exciting new productions.

Another endeavor I’m undertaking is the formation of a special book marketing division for my PR company, KeyMedia Public Relations. I’m designing a very affordable package with first-time struggling writers in mind, to get their manuscripts into agents’ hands and READ and PUBLISHED in the quickest, most efficient way possible. In mulling over names, I’m leaning towards “Push The Book”–reflecting the fun, no-frills but high-quality aspect of this project.

So bears may hibernate and geese may fly south, but there’s no rest for this weary but inspired businesswoman/singer/songwriter and all-around “athlete” this December!

Action, Take 2 & How Do I Look?

Had a great 4 hours today working with Grumpy Films’s Daniel Sears and Jason Jude on a sizzle reel to promote THE PASS. I answered questions, played a few pieces from a few songs featured in the show. I even read a vignette about the time I walked out on a London stage, the first performance of the LUCKY STARS tour with Dean Friedman, in 5 inch heels! Talk about shaking in my knees.

We walked around my neighborhood in the West Village and in particular the corner of Gay & Christopher Street. I was pointing out points of interest including a former neighbor’s home Ruth McKenney where she worked on My Sister Eileen which later turned into the Broadway musical Wonderful Town.  Ruth and her sister Eileen, an actress, lived in one of my landlady’s building’s when her father owned it. I also shared how friendly all the neighbors were when I first moved in, this very intense guy always said hello to me as I anxiously walked down Gay Street to the NYU piano rooms to practice. Turns out it was the radical lawyer and civil rights activist William Kunstler.

The funny thing is writing THE PASS has given me a 90 minute look at my life with an original soundtrack score to add to the drama & laughter.

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Room for Me or The Pass & Workshops

Very odd I had posted a blog post a few days ago about my thinking about changing the name of  my one woman show and it seems to have disappeared.

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So the gist of the post, what do you think of the title ROOM FOR ME vs THE PASS? What do either titles conjure up?

Why you may ask am I considering a title change? Especially when I have been calling the show as it develops THE PASS and even have artwork for it? Good question and happy to share why.

I had 2 friends over at my apartment in West Hollywood the night before I flew out to Florida and we had an impromptu workshop aka read-thru.  They gave me some great feedback, suggestions. One friend I met in London and the other I know from NYC; around the same time. We have been friends for many years however we have all 3 rarely hung out together. Both are in the arts and I respect their opinion’s. Somehow a song from my Camden Town days came into the head of my friend (the one from the UK) -she is an actress and voice over artist) and now lives in California, in fact she is my neighbor with a home up the block. My other friend from NYC was in town working on past production for a new film, LET IT FALL. We had a great time hanging out. It was a great trip as a while and I plan to go back more often now. They both discussed the idea of a new title and called me separately. I am now considering their thoughts. I am also going to hold a handful of workshops before I film the show. Much work ahead!

In Florida to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday. Pretty damn cool. Lot’s of celebrating.

What Do You Think of When You Think of LA? I think of driving…

When I think of LA, I think about my beautiful blue vintage car that I bought in Santa Monica. I love driving on country roads and in fact drove to Cold Spring this weekend. I got there from New York City via the Pacific Palisades, it’s my favorite road to drive on.  It’s not Rt 66 but it takes me where I need to go!

On Thursday I fly to LA.  In April of 2016 I signed an admin deal with BMG Gold Songs for my music catalog.  I’m about to embark on a 2 week journey to visit those who signed me, believe in me, friends, family and future listeners. Originally from New Jersey (easy!) I have lived for decades in New York City and have also lived for years in both London and LA. So in a way, I’m going back to my old stomping ground. Fun stuff!

I have always enjoyed moving around. The sensation of motion is even more appealing to me than the travel itself. I have several places to stay in various cities so that wherever I go I can relax in my own environment.  I don’t think of myself as unsettled or restless, I just need change.

It’s true the world is a global village–internet blogs makes it possible to see so many images from different parts of the world instantly and films allow us to enter into scenes that were once beyond our imaginations. I watched THE DRESSMAKER last night and the cinematography was wonderful. It takes place in rural Australia. I enjoyed the film.

Here’s my big want for 2017. My music in films. I love films old (TCM) and new, watching them is one of my favorite pastimes. I have been told my songs tell stories and are very vivid, perhaps all the films are seeping in. One of my goals while in LA is to make a few new contacts in the film industry. In addition I look forward to meeting other BMG writers, and to celebrating my March 3rd birthday–( oh sure my age is so crucial!) the first one I will spend in LA in may years.  I also want to enjoy the change of outlook that being in a new city brings. And I am also very tired of my 1810 home being a haven for mice this winter!!  “No more nice to mice!!”

The freshness of the ocean breeze is sure to refresh my mind. I am an adventurer after all and drawn to the allure of new experiences. However, I will definitely be returning to my home in New York and all I cherish here.