On my way to Nedra's

My singing coach Nedra Gaskill has a studio several miles north of Seattle (she has one south of Seattle, too, but I go north), and I love the drive going and coming because of these creatures - two llamas and a herd of goats - that seem to pop out of nowhere. The area is rife with housing projects.

I've wanted to share this scenery with you for a long time, so today I stopped to take pictures.

The dark llama "lost his ears" when he walked up to me - within inches of my nose - on his own. I didn't touch him, because I know llamas are a little stressed when they lay their ears back. They normally only spit at other llamas, but I didn't want to risk an errant spit, 'cause llama spit *stinks.*

Several years ago I "housesat" a farm while the owners were gone for a summer. It was in exchange for food and board while I wrote one of my books.

I took care of the animals, including chickens and cows, huge fruit and vegetable gardens and more.

I would take a walk every day at lunch, and visit a llama farm down the road. I asked the owners if I could hug their llamas; they actually said "sure," without even pointing and laughing at me.

Llamas ordinarily aren't into lots of handling or affection. But these llamas seemed to love it - when I would approach the farm, they would see me from a distance and walk to the fence I would enter, lining up for a little chat and hug.

So every day I'd make my way to the llama farm and hug the llamas as I chatted with them about my book, adventures of the place for which I was caring, gossip about other animals in the area, whatever.

Hugging llamas is very cool. They are soft, cuddly and affectionate. At least the llamas I hung out withthat summer.

These goats weren't baaaaahd, either.

New turns in life

This past week I seemed to have turned a couple corners that are going to influence the next several chapters in my life's book, and they are more exciting than I could have hoped.

An international distributor called; his company enthusiastically loves THE WHOLE TRUTH. He was effusive in his praise of Elisabeth Röhm's performance ("She was hy-sterical!").

He's now checking with his company's owners to put an offer together. We may or may not accept the proposal his company presents us, but I tell you, his unbridled excitement about our film was incredibly touching and inspiring.

He said his company just closed a deal picking up another comedy - one with a who's who of American comedy cast - about which he was very pleased.

He loves the contrast between that totally commercial comedy and ours, which is a whole lotta fun, but admittedly different from anything out there.

L-R Elisabeth Röhm, Pisay Pao, Sean Patrick Flanery

Here's what Uwe Lützen, a former marketer of English language films in Europe, had to say after seeing the film:

"It's an uncommon comedy. I had a lot of fun. I was thrilled to see a U.S comedy so extreme (well you’re the country that invented political correctness, right ;-), really edgy… and I can see why people can love or hate it. it’s just not what you can expect nowadays from a common comedy – or a festival film… it’s bolder and riskier."

I'm off to New York City and the Friars Club Comedy Film Festival next Wednesday, where there will be numerous special activities (dinners, entertainment programs, parties) in the Big Apple throughout the four days for those of us who have films in the fest, all of which I'm looking forward to, and will be making reports about each right here. If it won't be too awkward, I'm taking my camera (it's big) to record these snippets of history.

L-R: Elisabeth Röhm, Danielle Barnum.

Thankfully, I have help making it all happen the way it "should," that is, in a way for which I've done all my homework and am properly prepared. I'm familiarizing myself with the other filmmakers and films as well as getting help (big time!) for my wardrobe and make-up. That's the cool part of being an indie writer/director. We don't have to be haute couture and everyone expects us to be poor.

Meanwhile, I've met someone whose filmmaking insights, work ethic, professionalism, knowledge, thoughtfulness and artistic acumen are a perfect match for mine. Wow. Taking it one step at a time, this could be the beginning of a superb, ground-breaking, exciting, phenomenal and perhaps even more importantly, totally fun creative relationship.

Before I leave, in addition to taking care of my writing and producing tasks, I'm attending the Wynonna (Judd) concert, visiting the Western Washington State Fair, taking care of rescued horses, working with vocal coach Nedra Gaskill (rehearsing for the Christmas recital) and taking care of any other surprises that come my way.

It's all about balance, isn't it?

OK, it may be a little early for you ... but!

I've started working on songs with my singing coach Nedra Gaskill that I'll perform for a local Christmas concert!

The tunes I've selected that I'll be singing for sure:

"Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" - a rock classic. I'll have four back-up singers; I'm choreographing their/our routine. I'll be singing this number in a belt-your-guts-out "chest" pop/rock voice.

And "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" - an inspirational piece from The Sound of Music for which I'll be using my dramatic soprano voice.

I figure they'll appreciate the extreme vocal range emitted from this unassuming voice, covering more than three octaves.

If there's the opportunity for me to sing three selections, I'll sing either Celine Dion's upbeat pop "Christmas Eve" or the very bluesy "Please Come Home for Christmas," which has been covered by numerous soloists and bands.

Every part of my life always seems to run smoothly when I work with Nedra.

Maybe it's because I love singing so much - it makes me feel as close to a connection with angels as I can get - or because she's such a good coach that it feels so wonderful to have someone support and believe in me to the extent she does for doing something that is pure joy to me.

As much work, energy and discipline as vocalists must invest in perfecting their craft ("perfecting" any craft is impossible, btw), it is a wonderful sensation to just get out there and "play the instrument."

No matter how sad, serious or serene the song, it's always fun for me to blow the pipes for an appreciative audience.

Even when the audience consists of my pups and kitty, assistants, or frankly anyone who hangs out with me.

I love visiting sick friends in the hospital because they are such attentive audiences. I've actually whipped my harmonica out, too, for a little accompaniment.

And! Have I ever told you I also learned to play the saw?

*Amazing* how quickly they recover! Why, even the thought of me visiting with the harmonica and/or saw and/or - whatever portable instrument I bring - seems to help them literally spring out of their sickbeds.

Must be a spiritual thing...

;-)