Come On Let's Go!

You are more adventurous than others on your team. If you can assuage their fears, you will rise to the top.

I'M adventurous? And I'm SO tired of talking people into things.

Anyone you need to recruit for a cause will be signing on the dotted line.

Oh, I see. There's a theme. OK, wish I knew what I'm supposed to talk someone into. Especially since I already talked a kid into coming to Bring A Friend We're Gonna Break Boards day at karate with my son today and it was actually on SATURDAY!

I have an audition today. Maybe I'll talk them into hiring me.

So I don't know what this has to do with others on my team and talking them into stuff but I was TOTALLY adventurous this morning and worked my way up to doing a waltz jump at skating class! Go me!

Ok, Ok, I'll Trust My Instincts 8

Instead of wasting your time trying to get others to change, focus on what you can do to improve things. Eat more natural and whole grain foods to boost your energy. It’s time to let go of bad habits, ethereal connections, and counter-productive actions that are limiting your forward movement; journal to discover where change is needed.

Your instincts are spot on. You have an inkling about what is going to happen, and the more you think about it the more likely it will happen sooner rather than later.

Is it instinct? Or just wishful thinking? How can I tell? I guess I DID a call about an audition this morning.

I'm so good at second-guessing my instincts that I'm usually surprised that they remain trustworthy. Sorry, instincts. I don't mean to doubt you. Trusted them today that I was meant to work, even though it was turning into a ton of negotiating and scheduling to make it happen then I got a call that the work day had been changed - to a much better day for me. Now, instincts, I need you to tell my nerves that everything will work out.

An Invitation 2

New energies and inspirational dreams will mark the start of a fresh cycle under today’s Taurus Moon. Be prepared to change direction when an unexpected invitation comes your way midday. To honor your commitment to spiritual growth, dress in white to add clarity and intuitive awareness to your every move.

Ok, Horoscope, I know the invitation I'm hoping for today. Don't let me down. But I can't dress in white because I have an audition and white really isn't appropriate for the role that I'm auditioning for, but how about I wear white the rest of the day?

No invitation today...or was there one? I kind of met a new friend and that's like an invitation, right? An invitation to be a friend? Still, there wasn't anything that felt completely new or unexpected.

Get that ball rolling 8

Nevertheless, nothing will happen unless you take the initiative and get the ball rolling.

I really wish I'd read this before Daughter and I went to an Open Call audition today and waited for over two hours before we got in to be seen because the people in charge screwed up the order of the sign in sheets. As much as I hate to speak up I finally did go say something and they put us in line but then were so screwed up that they kept holding everything up while they tried to figure out what the heck they were doing.

Pretty sure neither of us got cast.

Higher purpose = making lots of $$$$$

The Sun's entry into Aquarius will inspire you to make a list of potential career opportunities. Ponder the value in them all, especially how well they could fulfill your need for a sense of higher purpose in your work.

Oh, Sun, I have been making this list for a while now. You're a little behind. The only real "opportunity" -- well, I got a call for an audition tomorrow...playing an unemployed woman who is learning how to collect benefits.

Nice.

And just saw on TV the commercial that I got called back for and STILL think I could have played the hell out of the mom-dressed-as-bird.

Looking for something big 8

What you look for will appear. You can use this luck to find your keys or your cellphone. But why not think even bigger? (Detroit Free Press)

OK, I DID think bigger! I thought about how to find work, and income. Can't really say that I found anything....until tonight. Husband and I were catching up at dinner and I mentioned that I have an audition tomorrow. I usually don't even bother to mention auditions, I get cast in only a small percentage and Husband is a realist who only likes to discuss things that are actually happening. But we're being all nice to each other so he asks who I'm auditioning for and when I tell him he says "I know who does their advertising!" and next think I know he's on the phone and now the client is totally prepped that I'm coming out to audition tomorrow.

That still doesn't mean that I'll get it. But somehow I think I will.

How to...make a commercial about ice cream without getting to eat any 8

Chances are good that you're surrounded by fans and media now, but as soon as you can fit it in, start thinking about a title for the how-to book you'll feel eminently qualified to pen.

Shot a TV commercial this evening; don't know if that counts as surrounded by media but definitely feels close. And the how-to book, well I already have the title.

And when I got home there was an email waiting. A Cub Scout troop wants me to come talk about writing and working in the media. Wonder if I'll get paid in popcorn.

Am hoping this lasts through tomorrow morning as I have another audition and can use another gig.

Next thing you know I'll be home schooling 6

Travel far beyond the normal avenues and let a whim take you to exciting new places. A permanent change could be in the making due to your experimentation and sincerity.

It was a whim kind of day - but who knows if it will really lead to anything. I went to an audition this morning for a character voice over - the type of spot I usually don't get called for. I'm not one of those people who have a million different voices in their head ... wait a minute, I DO have a million different voices in my head but they stay there and they are all yelling at me. They don't come out of my mouth in a million different forms to help me make money.

While I was there I asked about the commercial I was called back for on Wednesday, being sure to mention that I dragged my kid there with a broken arm. The agent said I didn't get the part, and they are still looking for teen girls, and as Daughter has been harassing me about not letting her audition I told the agent I would be back in the afternoon with Daughter.

She had a sleepover planned at the home of a BFF so I brought them both and BFF got to sit in and watch the audition. I don't think Daughter got the part either, but the agent asked if she could call her again. I refuse to believe that my entire career has been leading to this: showbiz mom. Yet the agent also asked if Son was available (as he stood there with an arm in one sling and about the wiggliest tooth you can imagine still being attached to his gums). So here I am. And I guess my future involves driving my children from audition to audition with makeup and scripts and clothing changes in the car.

Seriously, I thought this was still all about me.

Slightly ..... something 6

If you're slightly uncomfortable in a new role, chalk it up to growing pains. Pat yourself on the back for being willing to expand your awareness and influence. You'll be ready for the big opportunities on the horizon.

Totally talked myself into a gig today. In yesterday's audition update I mentioned the man-on-the-street interview gig I was submitted for, and today the agency called and said the company wanted to call me and experience my "zaniness" over the phone so the agent gave them my cell phone number.

I got this call right before heading into a real job interview, which was so tacky and painful that as soon as I got out the door I called the zany-interview gig chick and said "My mission is to convince you to hire me. This is my dream job."

It IS my dream job; walking around with a microphone and a camera, goofing with people and having fun. That is MY idea of work.

HELLO big opportunities!!

Love Me Do 9

Be patient with a loved one who continues to rebel or ignore you, and simply restate your boundaries.

That loved one is my son who decided to run away and live in the woods.

I had an audition today so my 20-year old niece, who had her two half-sisters visiting, came over to stay with Son for me. Daughter is still at Boot Camp and I am already spoiled by having a free sitter in the house. Niece, a true doll, pinch hit.

My younger Niece and Son were playing video games and having a grand old time when I returned so I told older Niece to go to her meeting and leave younger Niece with us for a while. Which was great until I interrupted the video games for dinner. After dinner there were disagreements about what to do, where to play, etc. Son and Niece finally decided to go back to video games but Son flipped out when Niece got upstairs and started the game before he could get there. He came downstairs, put on his flip-flops and announced he was running away to live in the woods.

"OK," I said. "But do you want me to pack you some food? You might get hungry."

"I'll eat trees and leaves," Son growled. (I hate it when writers use words other than 'said' but he really did growl.)

"Um, you didn't even like the one green bean I made you eat for dinner," I said. "I don't think you're really going to like trees and leaves. Are you sure I can't pack you some food?"

Son, recognizing my logic, wavered. Then started crying.

"How about I just have some chocolate milk."

He drank the chocolate milk then informed me that his life was still terrible (seriously, this is a boy who played Lego Indiana Jones on the PlayStation 3 for no less than 4 hours today. What the hell does he have to complain about?) and that he was going to live with his friend, M.

So I called M.'s house. No one home.

Fine. Son says he will go live with E.

I call E.'s house, praying that no one is home again but E.'s mother answers. She's a good friend and I haven't seen her in a while as they just returned from a trip. As she is recounting the adventure to me, Son leans forward and says between clenched teeth:

"Cut to the chase."

HOW am I supposed to keep from laughing at this? It's all I can do to keep it together while I change the topic and tell E.'s mom the real reason for my call. She gets it immediately and says that E's older brother eats non-relatives at midnight. She's awesome.

Son and I have a long discussion about why his life is so bad here. He's basically tired of riding around in the car to ice rinks because of Daughter's skating (and who can blame him? I'm over it myself). I tell him that I'm working very hard to keep him out of the car and that Daughter really appreciates his patience because she knows it's been hard on him.

"Yeah. She told me that once."

I simply restated my boundaries. "I love you and will cry every day if you leave."

Those are my boundaries and I'm sticking to 'em.


Audition Update #2

The waiting room was filled with "business" people. Only two were talking and the rest of us eavesdropped on their conversation about working on the movie sets here in town and which stars are difficult to work with. (Oh, Ellen Page, I'm sure you are just misunderstood.) I auditioned with a gentleman (insert throat-clearing) who spent 7 1/2 minutes trying to work out his character's motivation, attitude, history and what he had for breakfast.

Part of me wanted to say, "Dude, it's not brain surgery. Move on." But another part of me wondered, "Am I supposed to be asking questions about my character's motivation? Do I not look like I know what I'm doing because I'm just sitting here and smiling?"

As far as I could tell, my character REALLY wanted everyone to understand that they only had 8 WEEKS to complete the assignment, so I just concentrated on sounding as nice, yet insistent, as possible while I said my lines.

Got home, got a call for another gig that the agency wanted to submit me for. Some thing's gotta hit. Right?

What to wear? What to wear? 2

You're aching to get training in a certain area, but the price for this has been unaffordable. Finally this changes.

Hmmmm, what have I been aching to get training in? Lots of things, but no teachers were knocking down my door today. I did get a call for another audition, which leads me to...

Audition Update #1 - One line, one chance

Thought I totally pulled off the look of suburban wife and mom who is distraught over the thought of losing broadband. Went in with my husband, Jerome, and my daughter, Arola (at least I think that's her name). We ran through it once. Once. They said thanks and moved us right along. Now I KNOW that other groups did it more than once, because all of us sitting in the waiting room heard them through the wall, so WTF? I thought we did a really good job, so maybe they saw all they needed to see. But why not give us another shot too?

I walked out with Jerome and told him my theory: that they were so impressed with us they didn't need to see any more. He responded with a positive "See you at the shoot!" The shoot is next week, so we should know soon.

Got a call for another audition tomorrow. Different agency, different format. I have to look corporate and "classy." Also got a call for a job interview on Thursday, although I am not holding out hope that it's anything I want to do because the very young-sounding assistant said "All you need to bring is your resume. And dress professionally."

Do people need to be told to dress professionally when they are going to a job interview? Are they dressing like they're headed for a barbecue?

Never mind; don't answer that.

Let the sun shine 4

Meditate on the power of your tarot card, the Sun, to boost your confidence and tap into an endless source of energy.

It was an up and down day, and I could use some energy. Got Daughter off to Boot Camp with her skating team, then had to deal with an issue from 5 hours away. I felt so helpless. I know she's fine; but will I ever get rid of this instinct to protect her?

A friend called with some great news: a new job and a potential agent. She's worked hard and deserves every last bit of success. So why am I so jealous? Why do I feel like her success means there's none for me? I know it's ridiculous, I know there's enough to go around. We don't even write the same kind of stuff! But the petty little part of me can't stop whining "What about meeeeeeeeeee?"

The friend part of me is INCREDIBLY thrilled for her and knows that no one deserves it more than she.

And I did get a call for an audition tomorrow. Stay tuned for another episode of Stacey DuFord: Bad Actress.

So, Sun, it's your turn today. Boost my confidence.

Suddenly, without warning! 9

Uranus turns Retrograde! Expect the Unexpected!

This was the heading of an email (from Astrology.com) in my inbox today. I think it's accurate, the unexpected has been happening. The kids and I drove to my sister's outside of Grand Rapids yesterday so I could talk to girls at her Girl Scout Camp about the fun of writing. When I called home to see if there were any messages, there was one from the talent agency about another audition! This time a TV spot; no lines, but lots of emotion.

When I got home today there was an email waiting from someone I had approached about investing in the documentary - who asked to see the proposal! I'm desperately trying not to count my chickens before they are hatched, but ... 1 chicken! 2 chicken! 3 chicken! 225,000 chickens!

OK, I'm calm now. And I think I did a decent job at the audition today, too. I couldn't get a tear to actually slide down my cheek but was able to well up as my audition "Husband" said his line. Hopefully, the camera was able to catch the dewy, sad glint in my eye.

Of course, I have several friends who will tell me that none of this is "unexpected" at all; that it was simply a matter of time. I think that's the unexpected part - the Universe is very good about making things happen, but in it's own sweet time. It likes to watch you get totally depressed and sure that nothing will ever happen for you again then - SURPRISE! - here's everything you wanted! Hee hee.

Fine, Universe, have it your way. And I'll have it mine.

Singing my own praises 7

Today's outgoing Sagittarius Full Moon falls in your 10th House of Career, revealing how your emotions can positively impact your professional life.

Interesting. Spent the morning being grateful for my awesome friends and writing another essay - that no one will probably buy. Was forced out of the house this afternoon to drive Son to a playdate and since I was out, dropped off headshots and resumes at local casting agencies. Might as well look for more opportunities to show off my bad acting skills! When I stopped at one, where I've been signed for nearly 20 years, the agent said, "Can you wait a few minutes?" I could (Son at playdate, Daughter glued to new Birthday Laptop) and did and when she came back she had a voiceover audition for me that had just come in. Since I didn't know it was coming I didn't have time to get nervous or worried and I think it may be the best voiceover audition I've ever had.

Light green candles to access the gentle, loving vibes of Venus as it sails into Cancer today. This aspect will also inspire your artistic side, so set aside time this evening to paint, write or sing.

I decided to write instead of sing. I don't know if you are grateful, but my family sure is.

REJECTED BY THE BEST

I recently submitted an essay to Hallmark Magazine and got a lovely email from Executive Editor Helen Rogan who rejected the essay but called my writing "smart and funny" (insert blushing and false modesty here). In an effort to figure out what Hallmark WOULD like to receive (Ms. Rogan also encouraged me to send in something again) I checked out the mag's website and discovered Ms. Rogan's blog, Life Lines, which I am ashamed to admit I had not read before. It is now a fixture in my recommended websites below. The Queen of Smart and Funny Writing called MY writing "smart and funny!" It's like Cindy Crawford just told me, "You know, you could be a model."

I have never been so excited to be rejected.

Audition Update #1 (see previous post)

The room was filled with men auditioning for the roles of security guard and TV reporter, even a local sports anchor was there! The only other woman was a former girlfriend of my husband's. Isn't irony fabulous? I plan to adopt her as my new friend just to freak him out.

The minute I stood in the front of the camera my hands started shaking and the words I had so eloquently repeated into the remote control yesterday (while pretending it was a microphone. Much more realistic than a hairbrush) in my bedroom came running and screeching out of my mouth like pigs loosed from a pen.

I barely remember what the casting director said, though she was very nice. I do remember she said somebody was pretty, though I don't know if she was referring to me or herself.

Do not leave the house 6

Home is where the heart is. Family members and home-based activities may bring the greatest joy as this week unfolds. An attempt on your part to prove your independence could cause a reversal of fortune.

Oooh, I do not like the sound of this. The home part is fine. I'm a Homebody and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The kids only have a day and a half of school left, and our summer schedule doesn't really start until next week. And with the price of gas over $4/gallon, we'll be sticking around the house this week even if we hadn't planned to.

It's funny, my kids are just like me. Husband was golfing today and after the kids ate lunch I said, "Who wants to go to the swim club?" They shrugged. "Nah." They played Uno and then fed their Webkinz on the computer. I must have the most boring children .... ever.

Son was devastated yesterday when he realized he had lost the whip that belonged to his Lego Indiana Jones. He's been carrying that thing around in his pocket since he got it a week and a half ago and I can't believe he's managed to hang onto all the tiny detachable parts until now. This morning he found the webs from his Spiderman Lego's, hooked them together, and gave them to Lego Indy. The whip that Lego Indy came with was a precoiled brown prop; now Lego Indy is armed with a string 6 times longer than he is tall, and he can actually whip things. Son spent the afternoon making Lego Indy knock down all the other Lego characters with a whip. Complete with sound effects. Pshsh! (Is there a standard format for phonetically writing down the sound that a whip makes?)

So I'm fine with the home-based activities but worried about the attempt to prove my independence. Tomorrow is my audition for the ABC pilot, and while I wasn't really counting on getting it I certainly don't want to hear that it will result in a reversal of fortune! Like my audition will be so bad that not only will I not get the part but the director is going to demand $697 (scale) for being forced to watch me.

Could he do that?

If anybody's interested (that's an inside joke, I hope some of you are laughing) I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Any change to spare? 6

You'll realize change is definitely in the air when the Pisces Moon challenges your boundaries today.

Change must be in the air. Today I got a call from a casting agency about auditioning for a television pilot.

I know. Seems ridiculous doesn't it? I feel a little old to be "discovered" and I don't live anywhere near L.A., yet here is an opportunity, mine for the taking.

And what was I thinking when I sent in my resume and headshot via internet on Sunday afternoon? Was I thinking that it wasn't real? That there would be no show? That it would be some rinky-dink production? It's none of those things. It's real, it's big, it's .... it's the coolest job opportunity ever!!

When my cell phone rang this afternoon and I didn't recognize the number I let it go to voicemail. (Yes, I'm a screener -sue me). I recognized the Chicago area code, but thought it might be some sort of sales call until the double beep alerted me that a message had been left. Got Son off the bus, into the house and fed, then called voicemail to listen to the message. I have to be honest, while the line was ringing I was actually thinking 'It's Oprah. I wonder what she wants? Maybe someone showed her my book.'

I guess I'm an eternal optimist. It obviously wasn't Oprah. It was a casting agent. But that doesn't mean Oprah won't call ..... some day.