I love to act. It is my favourite thing. We filmed a bunch of scenes tonight and it was really satisfying. It's a treat to work with such talented friends that I trust. Thank you to both of you.
For the first time, I put up a Christmas tree. It's tiny - two feet tall - but it's alive and lit up with light. It has the wooden decorations that have been around since I was a baby. My home feels warmer and full of extra love. On Valentine's Day, I'll be singing love songs. I just got booked to play for a very special party. It's time to brainstorm all the juiciest ballads for me to melt hearts.
It lights up my face. It fills up my throat. It pulses through my fingers. It streams down my cheeks. It swirls inside my mug of hot chocolate. In every intersection in life, love is the most powerful force I have to play with. As Mr. Legend says, we were made to love. What could be more important? Love was overflowing in the room today. Thirteen people gathered together to create everything we want in life. Facing every truth inside each of us and bringing out every dream. It's just going to get better and better.
A man on the street held a sign that said SMILE. I followed his instruction. I boarded the bus. I looked up and saw a woman. I smiled. She smiled. When it was time to leave I reached for the door. I smiled again. She smiled again. My day was changed.
I can talk to you all day. In fact we did, for two days straight. In between important government business, pitching TV shows, buying appliances, uncontrollable laughter, lettuce wraps, vitamins, and sitting on Santa's lap, you inspired me to be exactly who I want to be.
Papa's got a brand new bag. The changes I've made today have steered me in a direction I'm excited about. It felt really good to make some solid decisions. If you're on the verge of making an important decision, remember two things:
1. Trust your instincts. We usually know what's right for us in that first split-second. There's no need to endlessly question that gut feeling. 2. Take the time you need. If there isn't an answer right away, it will come. Circumstances may change, perspective may shift, answers always appear. Just be human. Be gentle, on yourself and with others. Thank you for your warm home. Thank you for putting a smile on my face. Thank you for all of this food. Thank you for providing me with options. Thank you for talking it through. Thank you for showing me the bright side. Thank you for being marvelous. Thank you for this strong table. Thank you for grounding me. Thank you for fortifying this place. Thank you for being real.
stay / go
yell / cry trust / worry bake / fry cover / feel spout / talk question / accept listen / block If it feels good, do it. That's my new motto. Not in a gluttonous, hedonistic way. Basically, I believe in trusting your instincts. Wanna pursue that charming cutie? Do it. Wanna take that new apartment? Do it. Wanna eat the chocolate mousse cake? Do it. Maybe not after every meal, but go ahead and live a little.
You know what's not fun? Caution. Being so cautious that you never get anything done. Being so cautious you never end up saying how you feel. Being so cautious that you spend an entire day debating whether to go to an event or not for fear that you won't know anyone there and consequently won't fit in or have any fun. Don't let fear paralyze you. If it feels good, do it. Just ride. I'm sad that you came in but I'm grateful that you left all my belongings. Thank you for not trashing my home. I hope you're doing okay. I'll be all right.
One of the burlesque names I was toying with years ago was Romeo Le Baron. That just came back to me. There's something about Romeo. All that romance. There's something about burlesque. All that performance. Maybe I'll go see my stripteasing friends perform this week. It's been a while.
I'm on my way to a callback for a guest star role. It's a brand new experience in a faraway land. The newness brings excitement and a trust in the unknown. As I travel in the dark, I thank my lucky stars that I get to do something so fun. I love being an actor. My life is always an adventure.
I love my nephew's laugh. I love the way he pops out of my kitchen to surprise us. I love the way he bops his head to music. I love his curiosity. I love his capacity to learn quickly. I love that every time I see him there's something new, something he didn't do before, something exciting, something that changes the way he interacts with the world, something that keeps me in awe of his ability.
If you love to do something,
if it makes you feel alive, if it fills you with joy, if it feels right, if it excites you, if it makes you smile, if it makes your heart sing, if you can't stop thinking about it, if you've been dreaming about it all your life, DO IT. Do you like key lime pie? Would you like to share a piece with me on the balcony? I'll sing you songs while the sun sets.
I'm so lucky to have so many loved ones in this city, this country, and all over the world.
See you soon! I went for coffee with someone today. I thought we would meet for an hour. We met for seven. Seven hours! I could've easily talked for seven more. I'm grateful to know someone that I can connect with so magically. All that laughter, wonder and honesty is good for the soul.
It's everywhere. Every corner is brimming with it. Walk down the street and look into people's eyes. Ride an elevator and notice the smile that forms after you speak. Pick up the phone. Write a letter. Buy a bouquet.
Sometimes this city feels isolating. Sometimes it takes a look around. |