 (FLIGHT TO NEW MEXICO) It was may 1st, 2015, the day of my WONDERFUL sister's WEDDING. At cocktail hour we were alL STANDING AROUND, sharing our stories of the lovely the couple when i got the call...I booked the lead role of "layla" IN the miller prediction! now Up until the day of my sister wedding, i had been using "the secret" and meditating/visioning/optimistically hoping that my training and determination in the acting field would allow me the opportunity to be flown somewhere to put my acting skills to use professionally. The universe RESPONDED and weeks after the wedding i was aboard an all expenses paid flight to ALBUQUERQUE, nm, usa! The DESTINATION wasn't on the top of my list, regardless, i was TRULY beyond excited and grateful. after my SUPER CHILL southwest flight, i got picked up and taken to my hotel to settle in/ meet the cast and most of the crew. The next morning was my costume fittings with costume designer, Tabitha orr, and Following the fittings, I attended my first ever table read! I am not going to lie, I was nervous. I took a couple deep breaths and as we started in on the script i asked myself, "is this real life?" Just a couple months prior I had been warned that "breaking into the business after 25 is pretty much impossible".  (TABLE READ) It was a very surreal moment. As i looked around the table of talented actors and crew members, I felt a sudden rush of pride. I REMEMBER thinking; This is real life, and i worked my butt off to get here. The table read lasted a few hours and after it was finished the director, javier Ronceros, met with me to give me some of his notes on my character "LAYLA". THEN WE WERE OFF! The next several weeks were spent shooting on location at the Zia indian reservation a few miles outside of ALBUQUERQUE. The director, producers, a few other actors and I were even given the honor of meeting the cheif of the tribe, and getting his blessings for the film!  (TRAILER SELFIE) SHOOT DAYS LASTED AROUND TWELVE HOURS. SOMETIMES WE WOULD BE INTERRUPTED MID -SHOOT BY SUDDEN BOUTS OF RAIN BUT FOR THE MOST PART, FILMING WENT SMOOTHLY AND ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE FOR ME. IT WAS ALSO A VERY COMFORTABLE SET. I HAD AN AIR CONDITIONED TRAILER WHERE I COULD RUN LINES OR SIMPLY RUN AWAY FROM THE HEAT. CAST AND CREW JOKED around ON OFF TIME, AND EVEN THREW AROUND A FOOTBALL EVERY NOW AND THEN. CRAFT SERVICES WERE NATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE by Maria De Leon, AND I LOVE EXPANDING MY PALET! It was a lot of variations of meats, beans, and salads. Anyone who knows me, knows i love my salads!! there were also CHALLENGES on set that taught me a lot. There was a cyber stalker situation which, with the help of the director, was promptly deescalated. from that day forward, i never accepted another inquiry from a stranger to discuss potential acting jobs and forwarded all future inquiries FOR my manager to filter. Friendly reminder to my readerS who haVE dreams of breaking into the business, be very careful in THE pursuit of your dreams. UNFORTUNATELY, people are not always trying to help you. ANOTHER REVELATION I HAD WAS THAT I HAD TO BE MORE COMMITTED TO MY CHARACTER CHOICES. A "CHARACTER CHOICE" IS WHEN AN ACTOR TAKES THE NOTES FROM THE SCRIPT ON HIS/HER CHARACTER AND MAKES PERSONAL DECISIONS ON HOW TO EXPAND ON THOSE DIRECTIONS. THERE WAS A CHOICE I MADE THAT I DID NOT STICK TO THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF FILMING AND ALTHOUGH TO MOST THIS CHOICE WENT UNNOTICED, MY "MISTAKE" STILL IRRITATEs ME TO THIS DAY.
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above is A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT THE STREETS LOOKED LIKE. ROMAN RUINS LITTERED BETWEEN BUILDINGS THAT ARE CENTURIES OLD. ALTHOUGH THERE IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, I RECOMMEND BRINGING A FEW PAIRS OF WALKING SHOES because there is so much to see going from point a to b.
THERE ARE TONS OF CAFES ALONG ANY ROUTE TO STOP FOR REFRESHMENTS AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT HISTORIC MONUMENT YOU'LL STUMBLE UPON.
 FORUM OF AUGUSTUS 2BC |  FORUM OF CAESAR 46BC |  MONUMENTO A VITTORIO EMANUELE II |
LIKE THESE. ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY FROM THE SPANISH STEPS.
BEFORE GOING TO ANY DESTINATION, ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE LOCATION. FIND OUT ITS HISTORY, WHAT LANDMARKS THE PEOPLE OF THE REGION FIND IMPORTANT, AND HOW THEY LIVE THEIR DAY TO DAY LIVES. IT WILL MAKE EVERY adventure THAT MUCH MORE MEANINGFUL.
AFTER AWING AT THESE MONUMENTS OF ANCIENT TIMES, I FOUND my WAY TO ONe OF THE 7 WORLD WONDERS OF TODAY. THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM!
 |  COLOSSEUM 70-80 CE |  |
IT LIVED UP TO ITS HYPE FOR ME. ENTRY IS FREE THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH AND DON'T BUY THE AUDIO GUIDE, NOT WORTH IT. JUST DO YOUR RESEARCH AND GO.
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, THE TICKETS COST 16 EUROS PER PERSON AND ARE GOOD FOR TWO DAYS. THIS TWO FOR ONE PRICE DEAL ALSO INCLUDES ENTRY INTO ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT CITIES IN ROME, PALATINE HILL, WHICH WAS BUILT BY EMPEROR AUGUSTUS DURING IMPERIAL TIMES. FUN FACT: PALATINE HILL IS LITERALLY WHERE THE WORD PALACE COMES FROM!
ANOTHER AWESOME THING YOU CAN DO ON SUNDAYS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF BY THE VATICAN AT 12PM, IS TO SEE THE POPE HOLD MASS AND GET A BLESSING! I'M NOT CATHOLIC BUT IT WAS STILL A VERY LOVELY EXPERIENCE. PLUS THERE IS JUST SOO MUCH TO SEE IN THE VATICAN CITY.
 VIEW ON OUR WAY TO THE SISTINE CHAPEL |  INSIDE ST. PETERS BASILICA |  REAL MUMMY IN VATICAN MUSEUM |
ALL THIS WALKING AROUND WILL GET YOU HUNGRY AND ITALY IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO BUILD UP AN APPETITE!
I TRIED AS MANY TYPES OF PASTAS AND RESTAURANTS AS my BUDGET ALLOWED AND FOUND my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES. I'LL TELL YOU ABOUT ONE OF THEM, EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT MORE RECOMMENDATIONS.
AL BALESTRARI (EST.1862), LOCATED RIGHT NEAR CAMPO DE' FIORI (DAILY FARMERS MARKET IN A SQUARE FROM 14TH CENTURY), IS A PLACE I DREAM ABOUT RETURNING TOO. I WAS IN ROME FOR TEN DAYS AND I ATE AT THIS LOCATION FOUR TIMES. THEY GET THEIR PRODUCE FRESH DAILY FROM CAMPO DE' FIORI AND YOU CAN DEFINITELY TASTE THE QUALITY. MY MOUTH IS WATERING AS I WRITE THIS. FAVORITE DISHES- BRUSCHETTA AL POMODORO AND THEIR PASTA GRICIA IS ONE OF THE BEST DISHES I'VE EVER HAD.
AMBIENCE: 10 SERVICE:10 PRICE: MODERATE FOOD QUALITY: OUT OF THIS WORLD.
 Interior decor of Al Balestrari |  1st meal at Al Balestrari |
wHeN i told you in the BEGINNING of this article not to go to rome in august, i spoke from EXPERIENCE. I was in rome during heatwave lucifer AND I WAS literally drenching myself with water from the fountains. zero CARES. In CASE you catch yourself needING a little beach, no worries. there are plenty to choOse from!
After doing my research, i chose an EXCURSION to santa MARinella. My little adventure to the MEDITERRANEAN costs me 20 euros for transportation(10/person) +25 to rent a chiars with umbrellaS/showers/changing rooms/ & food service +35 for food, COMING TO A grand total 80 euros! so freaking worth it.
 SANTA MARINELLA LEFT |  CHAIRS |  SANTA MARINELLA RIGHT |
AS ALWAYS, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME FOR ADVICE!
Inevitably, Everyone experiences low points in their lives. some events are more traumatic than others but it doesn't make the negative energy any less real.
For those of you stuck in this rut, the following is a list of things i do to get out of my own head so i can change whatever is bringing me down.
***DISCLAIMER***
if you are experiencing actual depression or having suicidal thoughts, please do not be to proud or ashamed to seek out professional help. just need an ear? Please email me, I'm always here to listen xx ***
- Start each day with gratitude, then make your bed.
After your morning positivity boost, make your bed. I'm serious.
being in a low state, even the simplest of tasks can seem daunting. making your bed forces you to get up and do at least one productive thing for the day, that can SUBCONSCIOUSLY motivate you to complete more tasks on your to do list .
- workout and listen to your favorite music.
Another one of my favorite things to do while sad (but still in control of myself) is to take long drives (or walks) blasting and belting out the lyrics to my favorite songs. What i personally listen to depends on my mood but when i'm in a dark mood, my "go to" music are songs by avenged sevenfold, system of a down, and pink. no shame in my game. shouting out lyrics that explain what you're going through is an amazing way to get out that pent up energy brewing inside of you.
- Meditate and visualize.
meditation, affirmations, and visualizations are all ways to make a request of the universe and manifest what you want in your life. this is extremely important to do when times are low. Meditation calms you and clears your mind, which in turn allows you to see things objectively. once you can focus on whats going on that's making you upset, without actually getting upset, you can figure out what you need to make you happy and motivated again.
Visualizations and affirmations are all about keeping your intentions in life crystal clear. do some research on these practices and start implementing them in your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. it will feel silly but it does wonders in programing your brain to draw more positivity into your life. remember, however, that ideas without actions are childs play. once you rationally and logically decide what you need to in order to change your life, go for it. seriously.
- DON'T POISON YOURSELF WITH YOUR FAVORITE POISON.
SURE, A GLASS OF YOUR FAVorite SPIRIT OR DRAG OF YOUR FAVORITE SMOKE ARE FINE IN MODERATION AND IN BALANCE WITH YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, BUT EXTREMES ARE NOT. IF YOUR BLACKING OUT DRUNK, BREAKING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO REUP YOUR SMOKES OR "RECONNECTING" WITH VARIOUS LOVERS TO FILL A VOID, TRUST ME, WE HAVE A PROBLEM MY FRIEND. YOU NEED TO STOP AND DEAL WITH THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE. NO AMOUNT OF NUMBING WILL MAKE IT GO AWAY. this is the time to focus on healing and not putting yourself in toxic ENVIRONMENTS with toxic people.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE SELF WILL TO STOP ABUSING YOURSELF PHYSICALLY/MENTALLY OR BOTH, YOU'RE NOT WEAK!!
- SEEK OUT HELP.
also, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I'M ALWAYS HERE TO LISTEN. NO JUDGEMENT.
- help others.
go volunteer for your community, meet new people and remind yourself all that you have to be GRATEFUL for.
- Be creative.
art is whatever you want it to be. drawing, painting, rapping, dancing, producing, writing, singing, ceramics, etc. there are endless options and you never know, some can lead to a monetary boost as well. mine did.
It's no secret to my loved ones that I'm slightly obsessed with Spain.
From the people, to the culture, to my adventures, España is truly a jewel.
since it's impossible to sum up all of spain's glory in one piece, this article is about one of my favorite cities in spain: barcelona.
a must do for any lover of travel.
located in the catalonia region, barcelona is known as the cosmopolitan capital of spain. the people of the catalonia region have a deep sense of pride in their roots and still speak catalan to this day. although BARCELona is very much a cosmopolitan city, it was founded as a roman city in the middle ages, therefore, saturated in culture.
The following are some of my absolute must do's and tips while visiting barcelona!
 (LAS RAMBLAS) |
BARCELONA HAS endless HIDDEN ALLIES AND BEAUTIFUL STRETCHES OF STREETS FILLED WITH QUAINT SHOPS TO WONDER ON. IF YOU GET TIRED, THERE is no shortage of LUSH PARKS AROUND THE CITY TO take a break! AT ONE PARK IN PARTICULAR, my bestie, and i WERE WATCHING WHAT WE THOUGHT TO BE BIRDS. THEY WERE Bats! HUNDREDS OF BATS FLYING OVER OUR HEADS!! THE CRAZIEST PART (which a friendly local taught us) WAS THAT IF YOU PUT SOME ONION ON THE END OF A KNIFE AND HELD IT IN THE AIR, A BAT WOULD SWOOP DOWN AND EAT IT! must see parks: Park Guell, Labyrinth park of horta |
Pieces from the last two can be marveled at all throughout the streets of barcelona for free!
Gaudi is known for his buildings. basilica sagrada familia, casa mila, and park guell are just a few of the places you can admire his ARCHITECTURAL designs.
- take in the architecture
Pieces from the last two can be marveled at all throughout the streets of barcelona for free!
Gaudi is known for his buildings. basilica sagrada familia, casa mila, and park guell are just a few of the places you can admire his ARCHITECTURAL designs.
(THE GATE TO THE GOTHIC QUARTER) THE FRIEZES ALONG THE FRONT OF THE COL-LEGI D'ARQUITECTES, PICASSO'S ONLY OUTDOOR ARTWORK, IS LOCATED IN PLACA NOVA (PLAZA NOVA EST. 1358). presently, the plaza is filled with trendy clothing stores, confectioneries, and cafes nestled into the historic backdrop.
also, the friezes are LITERALLY ACROSS FROM THE RUINS OF a TOWERING ANCIENT ROMAN GATE. this gate is the entry to one of my favorite places in the entire world: Barri Gotic (the gothic quarter).
although some aspects of the architecture were created in the early part of the 20th century simply to attract TOURISM, this location is a history lovers disneyland.
the columns from the temple of augustus built during the imperial period, the 18th century basilica de la merced, Placa reial (royal plaza), and many more sites will keep you entertained for hours.
also, the friezes are LITERALLY ACROSS FROM THE RUINS OF a TOWERING ANCIENT ROMAN GATE. this gate is the entry to one of my favorite places in the entire world: Barri Gotic (the gothic quarter).
although some aspects of the architecture were created in the early part of the 20th century simply to attract TOURISM, this location is a history lovers disneyland.
the columns from the temple of augustus built during the imperial period, the 18th century basilica de la merced, Placa reial (royal plaza), and many more sites will keep you entertained for hours.
spain in known for its PAELLAS and tapas. neither fail to live up to their expectations, especially if you know where you're going.
there are two restaurants i visit every time i'm in barcelona.
2. creps al born: passeig del born 12, barcelona, 08003
a top notch crepe and cocktail bar. what else does a person need?? creps al born is in walking distance of the gothic quarter and definitely worth visiting. The bartenders don't just create yummy drinks, they create art!! they also swing the lamps hanging from the CEILING every time someone tips. awesome ambience for people in the mood to have a little fun!
these are just two of my favorites places to indulge my taste buds but fun fact, i have never had a meal in barcelona that i didn't like.
- tapas. tapas. tapas. tapas. cafes. tapas. tapas. tapas. tapas.
spain in known for its PAELLAS and tapas. neither fail to live up to their expectations, especially if you know where you're going.
there are two restaurants i visit every time i'm in barcelona.
- sensi tapas: carrer ameple, 26, barcelona, 08002
2. creps al born: passeig del born 12, barcelona, 08003
a top notch crepe and cocktail bar. what else does a person need?? creps al born is in walking distance of the gothic quarter and definitely worth visiting. The bartenders don't just create yummy drinks, they create art!! they also swing the lamps hanging from the CEILING every time someone tips. awesome ambience for people in the mood to have a little fun!
these are just two of my favorites places to indulge my taste buds but fun fact, i have never had a meal in barcelona that i didn't like.
- THE BEACH
- HAVE QUESTIONS?
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THE TERM DREAMER IS USED TODAY MOSTLY AS A NEGATIVE TERM AIMED AT THOSE WHO OTHERS DEEM AS HAVING UNREALISTIC OR UNACHIEVABLE GOALS... FORGET. THAT. NOISE.
THE TRUTH IS A DREAMER IS A PERSON WHO HAS AN AWESOME GOAL THEY WANT TO ACHIEVE AND ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE.
NOW THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF DREAMERS.
THERE ARE THE "ALL TALK" DREAMERS, WHICH AS YOU MIGHT HAVE GUESSED, SIMPLY TALK ABOUT THEIR GOALS WITHOUT ACTUALLY DOING ANYTHING TO REACH THEM. THESE PEOPLE (SADLY THE MAJORITY OF DREAMERS) KNOW WHAT THEY WANT, BUT DON'T HAVE THE TOOLS OR DRIVE NECESSARY TO GET WHAT THEY WANT.
THEN THERE ARE THE "GET IT DONE" DREAMERS. WHETHER THEIR GOAL BE BIG OR SMALL, THESE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AND WORK ACTIVELY TO GET IT. THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW TIPS FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ON HOW TO GET STARTED TOWARD MAKING YOUR DREAM INTO YOUR REALITY.
- BE BRUTALLY HONEST WITH YOURSELF.
YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS DREAM IS REALLY WHAT YOU WANT. I DREW THE TATTOO ON MY WRIST WITH A PEN FOR FIVE YEARS BEFORE I GOT IT. WHEN I WENT IN TO GET IT DONE, I KNEW I WOULD LOVE IT AND THAT FIVE YEARS LATER, I WOULD STILL LOVE IT. AND I DO. NOW YOUR DREAM MAY NOT BE AS PERMANENT AS A TATTOO BUT I PROMISE YOU THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES. CONSIDER BOTH THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE ASPECTS OF WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU REALLY ACHIEVED THIS GOAL. IF AFTER YOU HONESTLY WEIGH OUT YOUR PROS AND CONS, YOU STILL DESIRE YOUR DREAM DEEPLY. THEN IT'S TIME FOR STEP TWO.
- DO YOUR damn RESEARCH.
IT'S TIME TO HOP ONLINE AND RESEARCH AS MUCH INFORMATION YOU CAN ON YOUR SPECIFIC GOAL. MORE LIKELY THAN NOT, SOMEONE HAS ACHIEVED THIS GOAL YOU DREAM OF. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON HOW THEY DID SO. WHAT OBSTACLES DID THEY FACE? HOW MUCH CAPITAL DID THEY NEED TO RAISE? WAS IT RAISED THROUGH GRANTS OR PRIVATE FUNDING? WHAT DEGREE DID THEY GET? WHAT CONNECTIONS DID THEY HAVE? YOU GET THE POINT. IF YOU CAN'T OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION ONLINE, SEND THE PERSON YOU'RE RESEARCHING ABOUT A CONCISE COLD EMAIL. THEY MAY NOT RESPOND TO YOU BUT HEY, CLOSED MOUTHS DON'T GET FED!! FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHAT STEPS THESE PEOPLE TOOK SO YOU CAN START ORGANIZING YOUR OWN PATH TO SUCCESS.
- PLAN FOR IT.
ITS TIME TO START ORGANIZING THE PATH YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE TO GET WHAT YOU WANT. OVERNIGHT SUCCESSES ARE RARELY OVERNIGHT. CLICHE, I KNOW, BUT IT'S TRUE. YOU NEED TO LITERALLY SIT DOWN AND WRITE OUT THE STEPS YOU RESEARCHED AND HOW YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE THEM. I DECIDED I WANTED TO PURSUE ACTING AT THE AGE OF 25. AFTER A LIFETIME OF DREAMING AND ABOUT A MONTH OF RESEARCH, I MADE A PLAN WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
1. GET HEADSHOTS.
2. TAKE (RESEARCHED AND REVIEWED) ACTING CLASSES.
3. GET A (RESEARCHED AND REVIEWED) AGENT AND MANAGER.
4. SIMULTANEOUSLY SUBMIT MYSELF TO CASTING SITES AND NEVER MISS AN AUDITION.
BEAR IN MIND, MY PLAN HAD MORE DETAILS AND SUB-POINTS THAN WHAT IS WRTTEN ABOVE.
ALONG WITH A PLAN ON ACTUAL PAPER, I MADE SUB GOALS, VISION BOARDS, AND DAILY "TO DO LISTS" TO KEEP MY FOCUS CRYSTAL CLEAR ON WHAT I WANTED. AT THIS POINT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO START NOTICING YOUR INITIATIVE AND WITH THAT COMES..
- OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS, REJECTION, AND FEAR.
IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. A NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY AREN'T AS FORTUNATE AND THEIR DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS ARE MET WITH DISMISSIVE AND PESSIMISTIC COMMENTS. YOU NEED TO FIND A WAY TO RISE ABOVE THIS AND YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, NO ONE ELSE WILL. TURN ANY NEGATIVE COMMENT THROWN YOUR WAY INTO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. SOME WILL BE HARDER TO SWALLOW AND SOME WILL BE COMPLETE BS BUT STAY FOCUSED AND DETERMINED. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN FROM REJECTION OR BEING TOLD YOU'RE WRONG. WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE, TIME WILL GO ON AND I PERSONALLY DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY TIME ON THINGS THAT ARE COUNTER PRODUCTIVE. WHEN YOU'RE TRULY PREPARED AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, IT OVERCOMES YOUR FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN and haters comments. IN TIMES WHEn YOU FIND YOURSELF UNABLE TO SHAKE THE BAD ENERGY, GO FOR A RUN OR DO YOGA. EXERCISE AND MEDITATION ARE TO YOUR BRAIN WHAT OIL AND FUEL IS TO A CAR, AND YOU'RE GOING TO NEED AS MUCH FUEL AS POSSIBLE FOR THE LAST STEP.
- GO FOR IT, SERIOUSLY.
IT'S NOW OR NEVER. YOU'VE DREAMT ABOUT IT, RESEARCHED, PLANNED AND PREPARED FOR THIS GOAL AND THE TIME IS NOW TO PUT THINGS INto MOTION. IT WON'T BE EASY AND TO BE REALISTIC (SOMETHING US DREAMERS HAVE A HARD TIME DOING) MAYBE YOU WONT GET IT BUT MAYBE YOU WILL!! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW IF YOU DON'T TRY. SO GO FOR IT, SERIOUSLY.
Author
Tala Delvarani
I'm into adventures, and helping people live healthier/happier lives.
SFSU
BA in Communications
Pepperdine University
MA in Clinical Psychology
Award Nominated Actress
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