Julie Unplugged

You and me. That sight becomes this art.

Have you ever noticed that when you are with
people who see you, hear you, "get" you, all
of a sudden everything flows into place brilliantly?

I used to think I was alone: that this was the best
way for me to live, because "no one understood
me, no one was like me, no one appreciated me
in my off-beat-Julie-ness.

I was wrong.

I wasn't alone then and I am certainly not alone now.

The more off-beat-Julie-ness I express, the more
people are attracted to that authentic, "here-I-am-
like-me-or-not-this-is-me" quality that not
only allows my being to expand, it gives others
the permission to be themselves.

Rumi said it so beautifully:

"In your light, I learn how to love
In your beauty, how to make poems

You dance inside my chest
Where no one sees you

But sometimes I do
And that sight becomes this art"

Mmmmmmmmm. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.

You and me. That sight becomes this art.

=========

I am listening to the music from "Sunday in the Park with George" as I work today. This music is sooooo incredible. I feel like Georges Surrat would get these words of Rumi.   

"I am not hiding behind my canvas I am living it
I care for this painting, you will be in this painting."

"You have a mission, a mission to see....."

Listen to the Song that I Sing... You Heard My Song....

It has been one of those – wait, I have to

cry for a minute – cry tears of absolute

bliss and gratitude days.

Is this me? I wonder.

Is this me? I agree

Yes, this is me.

Wow. More tears.

I am listening to the CD for “Songs for a

New World

”

a show that I did at Spotlight last Spring that hardly

anyone saw.  I loved being in that show – it was such

a blessing for me… a small cast, incredible music,

direction by Hal…. lots of stretching into previously

uncomfortable places….

The lyrics and music are so beautiful.

I am so blessed.

This is me.

This is me.

Yes, this is me.

I have been thinking today, who will I

dedicate “Ingenue” to?

There are so many people who have been

instrumental in this story –

Victor Pedroza, who said to me, “If you could

do anything, what would you do?”….

“Say anything”…..

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear My Song…..

Brad Swift, who sent me to the top of a 44

foot rock climbing wall, such a surprising

feat and I did it – yes, I did it.

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear My Song…..’

Miss Campbell, my fifth grade chorus teacher,

ho was inexplicably let go after one year… and

I ached for the loss of her leadership for the rest

of middle school, even taking a year off from

chorus – the only year of my life-as-a-student

without singing.

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear My Song…..

Amber O’Reilly, my first voice teacher, who

encouraged me so much without, I think, even

knowing it.  I don’t know if she knows where

I have gone since I left her class, Julie who told

her, “Oh, I am taking this because I have a radio

show and want to improve my voice – oh these

show tunes are fun to sing, but goodness

knows I will never do theatre.” (!!)

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear

My Song…..

Hal Friedman, who created a scenario during

an “Improv Game” that catapulted me into a

divine place which I have accessed many

times since… and who also gave me opportunities

and believed in me far before I believed in me – and

his choice of someone else for a role I wanted

with every ounce of my being also catapulted

me into the stratosphere – in ways I never

would have imagined at the time.

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear My Song…..

David Lollar, who entrusted me with the Co-Direction

“Play it Again, Sam”– a “chore”? No way – a

delight beyond measure for me –

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear My Song…..

The Cast of “Play it Again, Sam” who

trusted me… and didn’t question some

of the unconventional techniques I used… me

a complete rookie directing several directors….and

just an incredible bunch who pulled off

tremendous performances.

Listen to the song that I sing…..Hear

My Song…..

Ah….. my students, clients, visitors, guests,

compatriots along the journey….

Yes…..

They have listened to the song that I

sing…..They have heard My Song…..

It has been one of those – wait, I have to

cry for a minute – cry tears of absolute

bliss and gratitude days.

The Morning After..........

It was a hot day in August, 2003 that I experienced
my first moment of transcendence through
acting.

I remember Hal didn't remember my name -
we had only been in classes a couple weeks.

He pointed to me and said, "You, sit down,
take a break."

I was shaking, wiping the tears away from
my eyes and more than a bit disoriented.

What was THAT?

I took the same question to bed that night
and have been living it ever since.

I was delighted to thumb through one of my
morning pages notebooks recently and
find this entry from "The Morning After".

The tone is quintessentially-morning-pages-
stream-of-consciousness-raw. So truthful
as it rises to its extraordinary and life
affirming conclusion.... read on.

Morning Pages Flashback:
August 12, 2003

When I looked at myself last night I saw such
intensity and range and it was funny and exhilarating
and I just lost myself and I felt special, unique like
Whoa, is that really me? and Yes. It is.

Don't grieve over lost time and just be grateful
and be in the moment and allow that presence to
spill through all and something is happening.

It is scary.  Like unleashing this side of me and
it had me removed and a bit separated and not
altogether here me you there two sisters and a
daughter or something hard to think of something
and it is wonderful oddoddoddoddoddoddoddoddoddd
and wonderful wonderful wonderful wonderful I go
so into it that I kinda fell apart and at the same
time it was like falling together and maybe people
fall apart because they don't have the awareness to
fall together.

It is strange, isn't it?

That idea of falling together and awe-ing myself.
Its like I was outside myself and watching me and
now I have moved inside.

It was the most amazing feeling and I am amazed
perplexed that right now it is incapturable. (Not
able to capture.)

It felt soooo sooooo sooooo right here... *heart*
I mean right here *body* and right here *spiritually
connected*,

The Me really shone through. Hot damn, it will really
dramatically improve my singing.

I want to audition.

=========

  Julie Jordan Scott is now appearing in her tenth show since she had this amazing experience. She said she wanted to audition and auditioning, yes - she has done.  Right now you can see her in "IT Runs in the Family" at Stars Theatre and Restaurant until May 14, 2005 or visit her website, 5passions.com to "keep in touch" off the boards.

Rainer and Julia, Rilke and Cameron....

I went to Barnes and Noble on Saturday to pick up my copy of “Letters to a Young Artist” I figured – hey, Julia Cameron meets Rainer Rilke, its got to be good.

I visited Amazon later that day to see if any reviews had been written yet, and at that point there was only a review from Booklist and Publisher’s Weekly, neither of which appreciated this new title from one of my most beloved writers.

The closest reference I can make to her tone is that of Simon on “American Idol.”  Julia Cameron is almost painfully honest and abrupt in her tone – though what she says is quite valuable I can see what they mean about her delivery.

It is a long road from my beloved Rilke, who uttered phrases in his book, “Letters to a Young Poet” that make my heart swell with pure ecstacy… stuff like,

“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.”

And

“You ask whether your verses are an y good. You ask me. You have asked others before this. You send them to magazines. You compare them with other poems, and you are upset when certain editors reject your work. Now (since you have said you want my advice) I beg you to stop doing that sort of thing. You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you - no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your while life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse. Then come close to Nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose.”

Are you swooning yet?

I adore Julia Cameron – my life is where it is, in great part, because of her writing.  And just like her tone in “The Artist’s Way” bothered me with her whiny-ness, this tone is so far from “The Sound of Paper”, last year’s offering.

I think I will buy another copy of Rilke’s work and read the two side-by-side.

Oh, What a Glorious Evening!

Yahoo!!!

Wow, I am so excited and jazzed up, who knows when I will get to sleep? Not anytime too terribly soon – at least I don’t think so.

Tonight’s performance of “It Runs in the Family” felt sooooo good! Tech week was rough, opening night was iffy but tonight rocked.  It felt so natural and what I really loved the most was using the tools I was taught in my acting class… the breath, the emotion, the truth-full stuff even in a comedy THIS outrageous and silly.

I even got tears in my eyes in the one “crucial moment” of the script and then… my final comeback… how the audience LOVES that.

I didn’t know it, but my friend Julia Stansbury was in the audience.  We laughed because my accent is Phoebe Reece (of Farndale) all over again… but Rosemary Mortimore is quite different than Phoebe…most notably - no purse except for in the beginning. And Rosemary is fixated on many men where Phoebe seemed to only have the hots for the Vicar.

Ken Burdick (my “husband”, David Mortimore) also told me before the show that his wife, Jill, really enjoyed the show last night. He added, “She really liked you.”  I shared with him how self conscious I get, and I was very aware she was in the audience…. I was shocked and surprised that he gets self conscious, too. He is so talented and so experienced I never would have guessed that for a million years and then some.

Jill was Rapunzel in “Into the Woods” – she and I shared a bow during the curtain call.

It intrigues me to see how different I can feel after one performance.

Earlier today I was wondering, once again, if I was kidding myself with this acting stuff. Maybe I would be better off only directing… and now, I remember – I can do both – any, all, you name it.

Follow the spark – live the moment – treasure each part of this amazing divine process of creativity.

Yes. Yes. YES!

With Love and Gratitude,

Julie

Ponderings on Saturday, April 23 at 2 PM

It has been an odd end to this week - we had opening
night last night for "It Runs in the Family" and it was
oddly - well, anti-climactic.

I think before I go to the Theatre tonight I will spend
some time reframing my attitude because while
I know I did a fine performance, I didn't enjoy
myself as much as I normally do.

Its odd. Maybe it is because I didn't have anyone
in the audience?

Maybe it is because I had a tiring week beforehand?

I don't know.

I was also hoping there would be some sort of
cast activity after the show - and there wasn't. Instead
I wound up going to Wal-mart to buy some dog food
and a new morning pages notebook.

And then I went to Cindy's and celebrated with
a slab of chocolate cake with a Diet Coke chaser
and just felt lonely.

My favorite moment last night was visiting with
Jill Burdick afterwards... and Ken saying once again
that I save him regularly during the show.

I don't save him, I just give him an occasionally
Rosemary-esque prompt.  It is perfectly in
character... the bossy, know it all... and yes,
loveable being that Rosemary is......

So today - it is onward and upward. We have a
large house and I have a friend who was in one
of my Spotlight Acting classes who will be there.

She hasn't seen my work since "Into the Woods"
and when I updated her last weekend when we
were both at the Empty Space for "Angels
in America" she was amazed at all I have done
since we last connected.

There - just thinking about that perks me up.

:-)

*Sigh*

So much Love,

Julie

======

  Julie Jordan Scott loves life - and urges others to treasure each moment... no matter what its outer coating or veneer looks like.

Visit http://www.5passions.com to subscribe to her free ezines, check out her current programs or simply read a lot of inspiring essays and article.s

From this Morning's Free Write

I shed the past like a shrunken, worn out rage,
long past its usefulness. It is old and worn and
tired - the bubbling heat which once exuded
from its cauldron is no longer given permission
to mute me from my pleasures... my invocation
of brightness and glowing miracles.

Spirit embraces me now in a synergistic dance.

I look in my mirror and see only beauty reflected.

The alchemy of a co-created womb, mystically
grounded - hurdles dissolve. I expand, reborn.

  Julie Jordan Scott teaches writing classes
to people all across the globe. In addition,
she is facilitating the worldwide program,
42 Days of Passionate Prosperity. Visit
5passions.com to find out more now.

What if I had said “No”?

What if I had said “No” to Greg when he called

to see if I would take an Acting class, since

no voice class was available?

What if I had said, “Nahhh, it’s not exactly

what I want – so I won’t bother with it.”

Where would I be right now?

Happy, yes – knowing me, I would be happy

no matter what. Ecstatically blissful?

I don’t know.

And I am glad that I don’t know.

I am eternally grateful I uttered a slightly

disappointed “Yes.” to Greg’s offer.

It lead to an ecstatic life.

There have been oodles of times when I haven’t

known where the road would take me. 

It is in those moments when I put my foot

forward and took an action: any action as

long as it complimented my life just like

the right accessory can make an ordinary

outfit breathtaking.

Yes, just like that pin or scarf or piece of jewelry

can make a bland outfit into a fashion statement,

taking an action that feels right even though it

isn’t “exactly what you thought was right” may

make every other moment of your life

exponentially extraordinary.

Activate Your Passion.

Julie Jordan Scott is a Writer, Life Coach, Mother and Actor

who lives in Bakersfield, California. She loves creating programs, products and poetry that impacts the planet in a positive way. Visit her website and subscribe (for free) to her award winning ezine, Daily Passion Activator.

This World is Going Heavenward, Thank You!

There are wayyyyyy too many times when I hear people lamenting how the world and its people are going to a place below the surface in a hand basket – although they don’t use precisely those words.

In the past two days I have had three very strong reminders from three men who are young enough to be my sons – that the planet is really filled with amazing human beings…. And by encouraging people like these three, we all benefit.

Here are the examples:

Last Friday, my dear friends from “Play it Again, Sam” – Ryan Watts and Amy Hall (among others I have known from other shows) opened in Empty Space’s production of “Angels in

America

, Part 2 – Perestroika.

I sent them “Break a Leg” emails – and told them I was looking forward to seeing them on Saturday night.

Going through the “Meet and Greet” line after the show was so energizing I cried tears of bliss from the combination of the heartfulness of the show AND the heartfulness of these actors I am so blessed to know.

Doug Cheesman – an amazing actor who I have written about here before – reminded me to be careful on my ride home. It reminded me of a time at karaoke when he double checked with me, to be sure I hadn’t had too much to drink before I drove.  Concerned and caring? Incredibly talented and continually growing that talent? Yes, yes and yes.

When I greeted and hugged Ryan Watts, one of the actors from “Sam”, we called each other RJ and JJ – as always… and he thanked me profusely for my email. And then he took an extra step on Monday. He wrote me an email, thanking ME for being concerned about his success.  I was blown away. What a blessing.

Just now I received an email from Kyle McMillan. Kyle worked lights on “Sam” and helped me with the Sound Design.  I would have been far more miserable had it not been for him when we were punted “Sam”.  He sent me some Poetry he had written – he was looking for guidance in his writing.

He is 15 years old.  15! Looking for guidance in writing POETRY. Wow.

I realized recently he was born a month before my eldest daughter, Marlena . If she had lived, I imagine they would be great friends. Because she didn’t, I enjoy every interaction we share whether it is in person or via phone or email.

Who will you encourage today?

Clarity Meditation -

To be guided through Audio:

To begin our time of meditation, please shake out your
body, start from as clear a physical plane as possible.

Deep breath---

If there is any tension or “cloggedness” in your physical
body, breathe into those clogs to move them along their
way out of your space or back into alignment.

Settle into a centered, balanced, rhythmic nurturing
and nourishing breath.

As you settle into the spirit filling your body through your
breath, envision the clear channel that connects your
heart to the divine.  The clear channel paves my
way.  Listen. 

Hear the sound of clarity.  Hold that clarity in your heart
hands mind body spirit.  Feel the clarity take energetic
form within you – feel its vibration, its pulse,
its warmth….

Carl Jung said “Your vision will become clear only
when you look into your heart, who looks outside
dreams who looks inside awakens.

Passion Point #3.  I am aware, in tune and aligned
with the source of all prosperity and abundance.  I
welcome the working of the source and join with
it through taking divinely inspired action.  My
awareness is filled with clarity as I continue
along the passionate prosperity path.

See that channel, that cord of light connecting
you and holding you in beautifully strong
alliance with the source of all abundance
and prosperity.

Delight in it.  Feel gratitude for it.

Feel the inspiration well up in you physically.
It is clearer and clearer and clearer.

Passion Point #3.  I am aware, in tune and aligned
with the source of all prosperity and abundance.  I
welcome the working of the source and join with
it through taking divinely inspired action.  My
awareness is filled with clarity as I continue
along the passionate prosperity path

As the host of the source, you continually walk
in the light of connection which is always there
beckoning, calling, willing you into partnership,
feel your breath as it fills your chest and breathe
into your heart and feel as the life giving oxygen
flows through your bloodstream and
echoes out to the world. 

This connects you to the heart beat of the
divine – the universal – the source – the Creator
of all that is.  Clarity deepens always.

The clarity is yours as it enriches, blesses,
holds safe true and pure.

Coming back into the space where you are breathe
deeply…. Breathe in prosperity…. Feel your space
with wonderment and thanksgiving exactly as it is. 
Continue to feel what you just ‘sourced”
The opening is larger and deeper and wider. 
The inspiration richer.  Breathe evenly, abundance
is within you and surrounds you.

Passion Point #3.  I am aware, in tune and aligned
with the source of all prosperity and abundance.  I
welcome the working of the source and join with
it through taking divinely inspired action.  My
awareness is filled with clarity as I continue along
the passionate prosperity path

====

This meditation may be repeated as desired and
continue to hold your clear, pure connection with
grace, joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, goodness,
self awareness and deliberation and know that this
connection you have is the connection we each have. 
Honor all, recognizing that connection with them.

====
Integration - Journal, Paint, Meditate or Contemplate

on these open ended prompts:

When I look clearly with a prosperous heart, I know.....

When I hear clearly with a prosperous heart, I know.....

When I feel clearly with a prosperous heart, I know.....

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This meditation is a part of the 42 Days of Passionate Prosperity Program. There is still space for you to participate in that *Free* program if you are feeling called to it.