Fibromyalgia Mystery Finally Solved!

Fibromyalgia Mystery Finally Solved!

Yearning to be a star

Sure, everyone has had dreams or fantasies of being a famous person. Whether it be an athlete, politician (goddess forbid) or an actor, dreams are there for a reason. To make us strive for excellence. To urge us on to better achievements and personal goals. For me, I've always wanted to be famous.

I love acting. Drama class was by far one of my favorite classes in high school and college. From playing Lady Macbeth (I'm sure every senior has played her by now) to playing a blind witch in the 3 act play The Witches. (where I won an award of excellence in acting). As I grew up, my urge for fame never wavered although the method of fame altered slightly. 

As my writing took off and became its own entity, I found that I yearned for fame of the written word. I wanted and still want to be on the New York Times Best Sellers List. I would love to win a Pulitzer Prize but reality sets in and I wake up to the realization that I'm a very small fish in a very vast ocean of writers.

The acting bug came back in a big way a couple years ago. I had the extreme pleasure of playing a fallen angel in the web series S.O.T.A (Soldiers of the Apocalypse) and a star crazed fan in a music video with the band Abandon Paris. These two 'extra' rolls have spurred my desire for more work in the industry. 

I know my back has other options for me, pain seems to cease all fun and enjoyment. I  also know that I would give up everything for my 5 minutes of fame. 

Cosplay has been a venue for me to gain some notoriety. I was interviewed by a few web shows and CBC news. I've been on television a few times now via news stories and have had several pieces of my writing published. 

Still that acting bug keeps biting. I'm seriously considering doing some 'head shots' and writing a resume up for more acting work.  Acting for free is fantastic for me but all things considered, a little bit of money would be cool too.

I had being a captive to my health issues. It is preventative of me having fun, working for a living, and possibly killing any chance of dream fulfillment.

Who knows what the goddess has in store for me. All I know is that fame is still calling my name and I want to answer it wholeheartedly!

EL CENTRO - Vancouver Fringe Festival Entry Review

EL CENTRO - Starring Chris Cope and Michael Dickson. Directed by Cecilia Davis, Assistant Director Brett Willis

Showcased at the quaint Firehall Arts Centre 280 E. Cordova Street - Vancouver.

The setting- post Central American Conflicts. A Drunkard Professor Cohen postulates the past and limited future wretched from the emotional toil of Civil War. Brilliantly portrayed by Michael Dickson (Black Mountain Side, S.O.T.A). Michael takes the human psyche on a rum filled trip down the 'rabbit hole'. Recalling the violence, trauma and terror that was the ongoing battles in Central America in the early 70's, 80's. Along this ride of P.T.S.D, with the Professor is Alex. A quirky A.D.D. adult who experienced living in Central America during the Civil War uprisings. His constant tweaking, jittery movements and paranoia gave a believable nuance to his character. Alex, played by Vancouver Actor Chris Cope (Boys in the Band). Chris and Michael create a dynamic chemistry on stage, that brings out the excellence in this play.

In one short hour, Michael and Chris take the audience on a psychotropic journey without using the drugs to get there. We the audience gain access into the traumatized minds of both Cohen and Alex. Cohen seems to cope with his memories via a bottle or two while Alex struggles outwardly. This play is methodical, intense and captivating. The audience's attention is drawn to simple yet poignant props (Alex's chair) and the endless bottles of Bacardi. Filled with imagery, this play drives you to the center of your human core. El Centro is contemplative, emotionally agonizing, and psychologically draining, simply put a Masterpiece for the mind.

This is the first Fringe Festival  appearance for both actors.

RAVENBRAN RATING ***** 4.5 CLAWS

Vancouver Fringe Festival ran from Sept 5th-14th.

Abandon Paris - Hollywood

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH April 23, 2014

FAN EXPO VANCOUVER 2014
WRAP UP

This year's Fan Expo Vancouver was held from April 18th - 20th at the Vancouver Convention Centre.  In a display of supreme 'geekdom', thousands came to show off. From costumes to hard core Cosplayers to the curious. There was something for everyone. 

Having a private conversation with Robert Englund

This year, the stars were out in full force from every genre.  Comics, Film, Television, Magazines, Graphic Arts and of course Gaming. 

For the die-hard fans like myself, the Q&A sessions were one of the main reasons to attend. Listening to your favorite star answer crowd questions and relay life stories make them more human and less 'Hollywood'.  I had the honor and privilege of listening to Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), Manu Bennett (Spartacus, Arrow), Robert Englund (V, Nightmare on Elm Street) and the incomparable Soska Twins - Jen and Sylvia (American Mary).  Although, I had expectations of seeing Stephen Amell (Arrow), Eliza Dushku (Buffy, Angel), the line ups were huge and ultimately full capacity. 

Jen, Me and Sylvia Soska

The highlights for me personally, were meeting and talking at great length with Robert Englund and the beautiful Eliza Dushku. That woman is a class act from top to bottom. Warm, funny and electric, her very essence lit up the room.  Robert was the biggest thrill of all. His movies are responsible for me being the horror freak that I am. While reading authors like Poe, King, Barker assisted, watching Freddy on film was the catalyst to my passion and love for this genre. 

dueling Ursulas (I'm on the left)

Of course, Fan Expo wouldn't be complete without autograph sessions, and photo ops!. Both of which I am happy to say I indulged in quite effectively and expensively at that. While the cost for photos and autographs became quite staggering, the emotional connection and memories created are priceless at least for me.

Love and first kiss!

One of the most interesting moments for me was seeing another Ursula Cosplayer. We ran into each other a few times and dueled using our voices. Not only was it exciting and fun but it truly challenged me as a Cosplayer.  I found that I was really able to jump into character much deeper after being confronted with another Ursula. Sure, her costume was store bought and she wore a wig (my costume I made and it was my own hair). Sure she belted out the Broadway version and I was Disney but at the end, it was magical for everyone who caught a glimpse. Especially the kids. 

I was interviewed by a few media and found my thought process towards Cosplay deepened with each interview. Profound thoughts roamed my mind as I was asked 'Why I do it?'. I suppose for me, Cosplay is an outlet that inspires my inner child. It enhances my dreams and fantasies and gives me a certain amount of higher personal confidence. While in costume, I am that person. For that time frame, I'm not me - Sher the person who is constantly in pain and depressed. At that time, I'm Ursula -Queen of the Seas, ruler of the water and taker of poor unfortunate souls :D The self-confidence, the smile on a child's face when they see you is so rewarding. Yeah, I will admit that I am a slight attention whore (okay moderate to high lol), and have dreams of being in film and television. That can't be different than others can it? 

Selfie time with Jen and Sylvia Soska

This year, Brek and I went to the Fan Expo After Party held at the Renaissance Harborside Hotel at Vista 360. The most interesting bar in the city that night. Not only does the entire facility rotate 360 degrees to show you the most breathtaking views of Vancouver, but the stars were out and mingling with their fans. Meeting Eliza Dushku and having a true heart-to-heart was incredible. 

I had the extreme honor of meeting Giancarlo Esposito as well. There were other stars there like Michael Rosenbaum, Ray Park, Bruce Boxleitner all of which obliged their fan with photo ops (for free) and gave us some of the best memories of the weekend. Personally, being asked by Eliza to reprise my Ursula for Sunday was like being given a star role on a tv show for me. 

I did get to meet Karl Urban (Priest, Star Trek), Lauren Cohen (Walking Dead) who incidentally is exquisitely beautiful and even had a quick chat with Charisma Carpenter over my Ursula costume. (that was cool)

Me and Eliza Dushku 

Now for the downside of the weekend. The lack of adequate and varied food vendors was problematic. For me, being gluten free made it even more challenging to actually stay fed during the weekend. Luckily for us, the Cactus Club was across the way and they were awesome in their service and food. I highly recommend that location! The high cost of food was also problematic. I will certainly state that being a Cosplayer is an expensive hobby all the way around. Having only 3 vendors (one of which was selling lemonade and mini donuts only) was poor planning on the part of the organizers and made it very difficult for some. The high cost of a hot dog, soda, even a bottle of water was a little over the top in my eyes. People are already forking out a tonne of money to get, their costumes (if applicable), memorabilia (which was highly prized and highly priced). 

Me and bff Shannon Cawthra 

Then the line ups for stars. For not only autographs (Bruce Campbell was insane), the structure for the queues for Q&A's were improperly managed. People who had 'Premium or Vip' passes were not able to stay in the auditoriums in between sessions and had to line up with the regular guests at the back of the line which ended up being an issue when it was a quick turn around between stars. We had to miss a few because the line ups were so huge. Great for the stars-sucked for the rest of us. Hours were spent waiting in lines for food, autographs, photos and the panels. Imagine if that was streamlined somehow, how much more efficient it would be.

Overall, the whole weekend was outstanding. The Marriott Pinnacle Downtown was a fantastic facility. The service was good, the hotel room was excellent (with the exception of the really small bathroom) and the location was perfect. 

Now to figure out the costumes for next year........

 

Thor Diakom, me, Brek Stewart 

NORTH DELTA takes 1st place

North Delta steamrolled Langley by a score of 5-1 in fantastic fashion.  Langley struggled the entire game with useless penalties and endless trips to the penalty box.

North Delta monopolized on their many power plays while Langley couldn't manage to find the net but once. 

Next game is COQUITLAM vs JUAN DE FUCA

BC HOCKEY JUVENILE PROVINCIALS UPDATES

In what can only be described as a shocker, Surrey and Juan De Fuca tie 3-3 in this morning's first game of the day. Penalties piled up and both teams are now 0 wins 2 losses 1 tie.
The 2pm game pitches the still undefeated and energetic North Delta boys against the strong showing team of Langley. A win for North Delta would put them in the final.

Langley needs the win to keep them in the running for Sunday's final.

The 5pm game will see Juan De Fuca against struggling Coquitlam. The 8pm feature game will see hometown Richmond fighting to stay in the run for the final against the 0-2-1 team from Surrey.

Stay tuned

Ridge Meadows Dish

BC HOCKEY JUVENILE PROVINCIALS UPDATES

Last night saw action, exciting goals, heavy hitting and a shocking loss to the undefeated thus far Langley by host team Richmond by a score of 6-0.

Lots of tempers were flaring and high expectations by all team's. 

STANDINGS

LANGLEY 2 wins 1 loss
RICHMOND 2 wins 1 loss
NORTH DELTA 3 wins 0 losses
COQUITLAM 1 win 2 losses
SURREY 0 wins 2 losses
JUAN DE FUCA 0 wins 2 losses

TODAY'S SCHEDULE 

JUAN DE FUCA VS SURREY 8am
LANGLEY vs NORTH DELTA 2pm
JUAN DE FUCA VS COQUITLAM  5pm
RICHMOND VS SURREY 8pm

www.bchockey.net/championships

Surrey vs Langley

This morning's matchup between Langley and Surrey was exciting, hard hitting and another final score of 4-2.

LANGLEY 2 wins 0 losses
SURREY 1 win 1 loss

Ridge Meadows Dish - hockey edition

Enjoying the fast paced games at today's installment of the BC HOCKEY JUVENILE PROVINCIALS.

We have seen North Delta beat Juan De Fuca 4-2 and watching the very aggressive Langley vs SURREY  play in the round robin. With the score 2-0 LANGLEY after 2 periods

  With 2 more games left today. Round robin play continues Saturday and Sunday morning culminating with the final championship game Sunday night at 8pm.

Stay tuned for more results. 

2013-2014 BC HOCKEY JUVENILE PROVINCIALS

The BC HOCKEY JUVENILE PROVINCIALS are under way at the Minoru Ice Center with the first few games at the RICHMOND Ice Centre yesterday.

Teams are from Juan De Fuca, Langley, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Delta and host team Richmond.

Thus far the standings are:

RICHMOND 1 win 1 loss
NORTH DELTA 2 wins 0 losses
LANGLEY 1 win O losses
COQUITLAM 1 win 1 loss
SURREY 0 wins 1 loss
JUAN DE FUCA 0 wins 2 losses

Stay tuned for more updates

bchockey.net/championships