Wassup!

Colleen's thoughts on writing, directing and coaching, and her unique take on life itself!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

New audiobook out! Caring for Patients from Different Cultures-

This is for more than health care workers - if you want to know about folks from cultures other than your own. An easy listen, and it includes some pretty startling information about cultures we are generally not told!

Caring for Patients from Different Cultures



Thursday, November 28, 2013

I Love Optimists

"An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." -- Irv Kupcinet

I'm grateful for the optimists - they are the inventors, the people who cheer us on, the teachers, the coaches, the artists who create something from nothing because they. are. optimistic. They know it can be done if we just decide to do it. Sing it. Write it. Play it. Build it. Manifest it.

For all the people, animals and experiences that inspire me, that teach me, that show me, that bring profundity and significance to my life, that produce the revelations and insights, that fill me with hope, drive and determination, that provide me with such great role models, that give so generously of their time, talent, love and money... thank you.


Sunday, July 28, 2013

CP's Unleash Your Power of Creativity Workshop!

I'm so excited. I'm doing my Unleash Your Power of Creativity workshop Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Center for Spiritual Living - Lewis Clark Valley (Clarkston, Washington, on the border with Lewiston, Idaho). I've boiled down an 8-hour class into 3 hours .. quite the creative challenge!

It's going to be so memorable - Reverend David Robinson is inviting his parishioners and the townsfolk from Clarkston and Lewiston to come have fun tapping into and freeing themselves to discover just how creative they can be; to find their passion and actually start allowing themselves to pursue it, because mine is not a religious class.

I especially love working with people who come in insisting they are not at all creative, they just want to see how creative people do it, then leave knowing how to start doing what they've always secretly yearned to, but were afraid or didn't know quite how to approach it.

In addition to meeting and inspiring all the terrific people I'll be with - I'm also looking forward to spending quality time with the breathless scenery that area offers - oh, AND enjoying Reverend David's cooking!



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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits book I narrated released!

The book I narrated, "Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits - Real World Strategies That Work," has just been released at audible.com and all the other usual audiobook outlets.

It's particularly informative about past fundraising techniques that no longer work well because money is so tight and because a sophisticated public has been over exposed to many of the campaign strategies.


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Monday, March 11, 2013

Success and Failure

"I've learned that there is no such thing as success or failure - people actually fear both.

"If I do what I do with integrity and passion, whatever happens happens and it all leads to the next step.

"I tell the people I coach there's no such thing as good or bad, right or wrong when it comes to creativity in any endeavor. It either works or it doesn't work. If it doesn't work, figure out another way to get or do what you want. If it works? Build on that!" -- Colleen Patrick




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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Whole Truth made YES WEEKLY's DVD release pick of the week list! Others mentioned in the list are Skyfall, The Master, Bully, and The Birders. GREAT company!

Here's what YES WEEKLY says about The Whole Truth:

THE WHOLE TRUTH (Green Apple Entertainment): Writer/executive producer/director Colleen Patrick’s feature debut is a broad, cartoonish courtroom farce with Elisabeth Rohm as a neurotic acting coach who specializes in tutoring accused criminals so that they win acquittals – only to encounter Eric Roberts, very funny as a hilariously coiffed Russian mobster who compels her to reassess her “career.” An unrecognizable Sean Patrick Flanery is charming as a has-been TV star and Rick Overton is a hoot as Roberts’ equally dim-witted sidekick. A little on the shrill side but not without its pleasures, particularly the cast. (For an exclusive interview with Eric Roberts, see Page 41).

I am crazy with glee that so many reviewers/critics are understanding our film! Chuck Jones is one of my inspirations!

Click here for YES WEEKLY Eric Roberts interview! He stars with Elisabeth Rohm, Sean Patrick Flanery, Rick Overton, John Fugelsang, Kristina Lilley and Jim Holmes.

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Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Barabara Stanwyck bio I narrated is *just* released!

To those who have admired and appreciated her acting over the years, here are some rare insights into her personal life, her craft and why she was so dedicated to her work.

The sample can be heard by clicking the little arrow icon directly underneath her photograph!

For the 4-1-1 on Stany and me, Click here!

cp

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Friday, February 01, 2013

The Whole Truth makes MAX's BEST list!

My comedy feature THE WHOLE TRUTH is listed on MAX's *best DVD and Blu-Ray picks* list for February!!

MAX's list has a circulation of more than 4 million media outlets and readers world wide, and only reviews films that they believe are quality projects!

Here's what the reviewer said:

"A fast-paced satirical comedy about a beautiful acting coach (Elizabeth Rohm) who coaches a handsome but ruthless mobster (Eric Roberts) on how to work the court system to win a jury acquittal. She gets help (sort-of) from an also handsome but washed up television celebrity (Sean Patrick Flannery) who happens to be in love with her. Which fellow does she wind up with and does Roberts get off the court hook? Or maybe she can do better than either, and get a dog instead. Check it out. It’s something different… it’s really funny. On DVD from Green Apple Entertainment."


As if this were not enough (I'm breathing in a brown paper bag), our little screwball comedy is on MAX's BEST list alongside other "bests" released in February: Downton Abbey Season III and The Dark Knight Rises.

It's our first review!

It's available for reservation on Netflix DVD, for purchase at Barnes and Noble; other outlets will be joining shortly (amazon.com and more)... it's officially released February 5.

Wow!

love, cp


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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Some reflections by folks who worked on my comedy feature The Whole Truth!

Here's what Eric Roberts says about working with me on The Whole Truth!



Here's what leading lady Elisabeth Rohm says about working with me on The Whole Truth!



Here's what Sean Patrick Flanery has to say about working on The Whole Truth!



Here's what "Mr. Character Actor" Jim Holmes has to say about working with me on The Whole Truth!



Here's what comedy masters Rick Overton and John Fugelsang have to say about working with me on The Whole Truth!


Here's what Kristina Lilley has to say about working with me on The Whole Truth! Kristina is a major, multi-Emmy Award winning TV star in Spanish speaking nations and on US Spanish TV. I was her acting coach when she lived in the US for a couple years - she speaks English and Spanish without an accent. I'm proud to call her a friend - but she auditioned just like everyone else and nailed the role! She plays a good cop - a detective. She's famous for playing mean, sinister, evil characters for her regular Spanish TV and film roles.




Here's what producer Larry Estes has to say about working with me on The Whole Truth! When he worked at a studio in Hollywood, he green lighted such classics as Sex, Lies and Video Tape. He has gone on to produce some 80 films.

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Monday, January 21, 2013

For those who have asked me how to see my comedy feature film The Whole Truth, here's the 4-1-1!

It’s listed on Netflix.com, so you can add it to your waiting list.

http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/The-Whole-Truth/70119685?strkid=924856445_0_0&strackid=327af604fcffc413_0_srl&trkid=222336

The DVD is available Feb. 5th … it’s up for pre-order online at Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-the-whole-truth-elisabeth-r-hm/17804511

It will be available at amazon.com soon as well!

More as info becomes available!


In a nutshell, THE WHOLE TRUTH is about a failed acting coach, Angela Masters (Elisabeth Röhm), who discovers a cash cow giving character transformations to crooks (Eric Roberts) who can woo juries into acquitting them! She soon realizes these clients are not touchy-feeling artists, but the slime of the earth - and she becomes targeted by them for murder! Hilarity ensues.


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Monday, January 14, 2013

The Whole Truth is released February 5 2013!





 

Green Apple Entertainment Proudly Presents
The Whole Truth

She’s Not the Guilty One!

Laugh-Out-Loud Satirical Comedy Debuts on DVD & VOD Feb. 5th

“… a fast-paced and hilarious satire … sharp dialog and strong comic performances … packs in rapid-fire laughs …”
— Seattle International Film Festival

For Immediate Release The laugh-out-loud satirical comedy, The Whole Truth, rolls onto DVD and VOD Feb. 5 from Green Apple Entertainment.

Angela Masters (Elisabeth Röhm, NBC’s Heroes and Law & Order, Miss Congeniality 2, Deconstructing Harry) is an acting coach who makes it big … Not in Hollywood, but by coaching criminal defendants on how to work the system and win jury acquittals.

Washed up TV celeb Gary Langston (Sean Patrick Flanery, The Boondock Saints I and II, Simply Irresistible, Suicide Kings, Powder, The Grass Harp) – who’s had a crush on Angela for years – continues to work with her, hoping for his next break or for her to notice him … whichever comes first.

After helping free ruthless mobster Yaro Maroslav (Eric Roberts,  Runaway Train, Star 80, King of the Gypsies), Angela overhears him plan a heinous crime and he sets out to kill her. Police and prosecutors, annoyed by all the cases she’s turned upside down, aren’t so eager to help. 

Standing up to the thug, she testifies against him in court, but – thanks to her own handiwork – Maroslav comes off as the good guy. Frantic to convince the jury otherwise, Angela breaks all her own rules, her wacky testimony making headlines around the world. But in the end, karma, love – and justice – finally prevail.

Written and directed by Colleen Patrick.

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012




CP's FREE camera acting workshop Feb 16 for SAF!  

Seattle Area Filmmakers - actors, writers, directors, script supervisors, DP's, or anyone who wants to be or work with good actors will get a boatload of information, insight and inspiration from CP's seminar!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Great talk on how body language actually changes your life!


Friday, November 09, 2012

Republicans volunteer themselves for extinction


The Republican party is on its way to becoming not only irrelevant but extinct.
 
Because they do not believe in evolution and allow dominionists to dictate their policies, they do not understand the science behind the natural order of nature... and are on their way to joining the dodo and other creatures who refused to change and adapt to their new surroundings.
 
They choose to believe in voodoo, slight of hand, lies and those who feed their delusions even in the face of  actual, verifiable, facts and imperical evidence; they refuse to study the reality of the metamorphasis of the US (and world) economy, culture and social construct, of a planet in the midst of a climate crisis which will cost all our lives if we do not act immediately.
 
Likewise, despot dictators and others who work only to control and exploit people, denying them an education, opportunities, fair play, equal access, health care, the vote, and more are starting to be frozen in an ice age of their own making.
 
The problem is that they will take the rest of us with them if we do not stand up to them and move forward without them if they choose not to learn, negotiate, and join the 20th century.
 
We need a strong, smart, educated Republican Party. We need a healthy debate for moving forward, it makes us stronger .. like iron ore is never as firm on its own, without its alloys, we need opposing viewpoints.
 
But what we do not need - and what will destroy us - is people insisting the world is flat and trying to force us to "work" with them only if we agree with them when the facts and reality fly in the face if this bizarre, long outdated notion.
 

Monday, April 09, 2012

Unleash Your Power of Creativity!


While other classes tend to focus on showing "how to create," I've come up with an experience (disguised as a class) that shows you how to *access your personal creativity.*

It will lay the groundwork for a creative thought style that will support every aspect of your life: relationships, finances, career, work, art, self-worth, parenting, expression, self-worth, living, manifesting your good (which you ought to have!).

If you actually believe you are not creative, let me prove you wrong.

If you suffer from what you believe to be a "creative block," let's you and me move it out of the way. For good.

The information I'm "downloading" from the Universe is so new, simple and, IMO, profound, I'm writing a book based on this work. I believe that, for me, this is the "missing link" to accessing my own creativity.

If you don't know, I'm an author, writer, director, producer, speaker, book narrator, coach (for actors, writers, dancers, broadcasters and more), yadda yadda yadda. So basically, I already live a very creative life and make my living through creativity.

The information I have developed for this class is brand new to me - I've also not found it anywhere on the Internet or in books I've researched.

My work developing these concepts has realigned my experience of reality in such a positive but life-changing way I needed to be sure that I remained grounded as I incorporated it. It's as if I saw reality for what it really is - not turning my world upside down, but definitely shifting it.

Everyone attending will select a class partner for daily support; I suggest support outside the class if you need it to remain grounded also be considered because your world will. be. rocked.
There will be a small amount of preparation work all registrants will asked to complete before the class begins; you'll be notified in plenty of time to get it done.

It starts Tuesday, June 12, 6:30-8:30pm, or four sessions (no session July 3), at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living (5801 Sand Point Way NE : Seattle WA 98105). Early registration cost is $75; late, $95.

You can register at http://spiritualliving.org/ or by calling 206-527-8801.

Seattle's CSL supports classes like this, taught by non-ministerial members like me, for the personal, work, career and professional enrichment of our community.

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Best Christmas Story Ever


I had the most wonderful experience watching the Finnish film Christmas Story (Joulutarina) this evening.
It's heartwarming, engaging and engrossing - so touching (bring a box of hankies) and memorable it will stay with me for a long, long time.
This is unlike any other Christmas film I've ever seen;
I am so grateful I saw it.
If you have the chance to see it, I guarantee you'll thank me when you do.
The Seattle Swedish Cultural Center is screening it Friday, January 6, at 2pm (you can come early for lunch) - call them at 206-283-1090 for info.
It's also available at all the usual home rental outlets.
Here's a trailer:

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So You Wanna Write?


I'm doing a 3-hour seminar for people who want to write, who are writing, or who want to know what to do with their writing after they've written Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6:30-9:30 at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living. As a contribution to the community-at-large, it's low cost - $25 - if you enroll before February 5, $35 after.

Here's the official 4-1-1:
Are you still dreaming of writing that book, screenplay, poem? Those articles, blogs, songs? Here’s your opportunity to get inspired, get empowered and get going!
I'm a produced screenwriter, published author, journalist, book narrator and writing coach; I'll present an overview to help you start or refine your work. I'm covering:
•Discovering your authentic voice
•Finding the time, courage and initiative to get started…and keep going
•Understanding what to write; defining your audience
•What to do with your writing when it's ready to send out in the world
Bring a notebook, pens, your writing dreams, aspirations, questions and goals.
Write your question on a 3x5 card and submit it to CP just before the workshop.
This workshop is not for the humor-impaired!
To enroll, go to the CSL website here. or call 206-527-8801.
Please note: I will not be reading the work of those attending

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Monday, December 26, 2011

Preventing students from voting in the Presidential election

Republicans across the nation are pushing for laws in individual states that prevent students from voting in the Presidential election next year because they believe students tend to be "liberal."
Congratulations.
The conservative students prevented from voting will - and should be - as upset as their liberal counterparts, being denied their right to register to cast their ballot for whatever candidate they support.
Knowing their Republican brothers and sisters actively worked to stop them from participating in the Presidential election will leave a bitter taste toward their conservative decision-makers. Especially if Obama is re-elected.
How enthusiastic will they be to work for or against a candidate if they are prevented from voting for (or against) anyone.
Silencing any group who legitimately has the right to vote for whomever they wish is not only un-American, it's purposefully obstructing the election process.
Read the New York Times editorial listing the facts of the Republicans' efforts to suppress the voting rights of students here.

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Pets


I've decided that all domesticated animals suffer from Stockholm Syndrome...

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Creating a new reality


Something I know I have forgotten to do in the past when my life takes a big step up is to stop.
Just stop.
To reflect on fantastic changes, grieve what I have released (so important!), recognize the great stuff and people I take with me from as I melt into my New Normal, and give thanks for all that has transpired to put me in this moment.
This moment is the only reality I know because the past is just a memory, the future only a possibility.
My job is simply to do my best. In all I pursue, all I do, all I learn, all I think, all I feel.
My very best.
No shortcuts, no half-assed, no careless, nothing without a clear intention of excellence.
In this moment.
It seems when I do that, everything else is handled.
I move forward confidently, with blind faith, just like these kittens.
And if you're looking for *really* sage advice, I'll quote my friend Tom Simmons: "Don't scratch your crotch." He, of course, means *in public.*
Have a great day! Make it count!

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Why hasn’t anyone written a heartwarming story about the Christmas potato?

..just askin'

"Holiday sales"


After reviewing holiday gift TV commercials, I decided Christmas is about nookie.
Giving to receive.
Nookie.

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Groomers prepping pups for the holidays!

I visited Kristi's Grooming in Seattle on a busy get-your-pup ready for the holidays Saturday, taking my Pomeranian Soul Seeker in for his festive bath and trim! It takes between 2-4 hours to groom most dogs. Groomers spend time prepping them (trimming nails, etc) before they bathe dogs, then the pups are dried and put in "I'm ready to get my fur styled" cages. Trimming is an art! Everyone gets along - these folks know how to handle dogs! Happy Holidays!

all photos ©2011 by Collen Patrick






















































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