GOOD MORNING, GOOD NEWS

HAPPY MONDAY MORNING!

Some of you have become regulars here on the blog or visiting social. Thank you! If you find out some good news, will you share it with everyone here? We need to hear it! I need to hear it! 

When we get scared, anxious and feel alone, filling our minds with something positive can inspire us to take another step and keep going.

Sunrise

Did you or a loved one get a good report back health-wise? Did you get a promotion? Clean out a closet and now feel more space in your brain? lol (Sometimes WE CAN CREATE OUR OWN GOOD VIBES doing something proactive).  Be of service to someone? Simply have a good cup of coffee?? Positivity spreads. When we can be happy for each other, that spirit is contagious. I’ve been so happy for friends recently that booked jobs or celebrated their wedding anniversary. Even if I’m sad and scared about my situation, it doesn’t take away from me being HAPPY FOR THEM. It’s not always easy to understand why some things work out for us and some things don’t. We just have to hold on to the belief that THERE IS ENOUGH SUNSHINE FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. 

I was walking yesterday with Hayden and saw some bare trees. Skinny, naked and grey. So important what the seasons teach us. Those are the same trees that will have stunning, full pink blossoms next year. Last week, my girlfriend Willa Ford reminded me to thank God for good news coming. Have faith it’s coming.

That was Monday morning. And I did add that to my prayer. Late Friday, I got some good news. I booked a job!  Since y’all are such amazing supporters, I am excited to share with you. It’s an episode of a primetime show I hope you’ll like.

I’ll be able to say more later, but for now, it’s great to hear something positive on the work front. I feel blessed and want to hold on to that. Now go— your turn. Let’s keep the cycle going. Share some positive news!

xoxo

AAJ

ps- working on some fun posts for here, too. Some cozy, holiday inspired posts! And really cool wellness ones, too. Stay tuned. Now, off to workout and get some serotonin flowing.

EDIT: SINCE WRITING THIS VERY EARLY THIS MORNING, OUR CITY IS BASICALLY ON FIRE. NOW MY PRAYER IS NO ONE GETS HURT AND THE FIRE GETS CONTAINED AND THE LAFD FEELS THE LOVE WE ALL HAVE FOR THEM.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS AND UPDATES

Hi everyone. Happy almost weekend! I had a bigger plan for this post, but it’s not done, so I’m just popping in to say hello. And this photo is not me. But I’ve saved it for a while. It’s a stock photo on the internet. LOL. In my memories of European days (which WILL happen again), this is me. So, stay tuned for a copycat.

I’ve been thinking about some of you that have commented on recent posts. Those of you that are dealing with health issues or health issues of a loved one, I hope today is a good day. Sometimes, it’s just a day at a time.

And those of you that commented to on the post about fertility, I wanted to thank you for the encouragement. Some of you are right there with me, so I’m sending up great thoughts in my prayers tonight. For all of us!

I’m heading into the doctor tomorrow again to check stuff for fertility. Bright and early. And then tomorrow night is the Bold and Beautiful Anniversary party. 

On a different note, the movie I filmed in Canada last year, HOME KILLING QUEEN, is set to premiere on Lifetime May 11th! I’ll share more soon. It’s such a different role for me. The other actors and actresses in the film are excellent. And it was written by my friend Andrea Canning, Dateline corespondent. It’s a thriller, with a darker comedic tone. What I appreciate about the film is the overall message of values. We become what we feed our souls. Choose wisely.

UPDATE:

That was all written last night and I never posted it. All looks good for now from the doctor after my appointment, so we wait. UGH. We tried and we wait. This is the hardest part, am I right? Fertility is amazing and so hard sometimes.

I’m gonna distract myself and go get ready for the B&B party. Also, for you guys out there that know or have younger children, I have a fun post up for a giveaway…check it out on instagram. It’s the Chickapig book, game and soft fluffy chick creature! (So cute, actually). A great Easter gift, so go WIN it! Here’s the exact link-> instagram post giveaway.

Touching Base

I feel compelled to say thank you at times. Today is one of those times. Thank you to many of you that were so supportive of the recent visit back to The Bold and Beautiful. I appreciate all the comments and tweets showing your support. Perhaps we'll see more of Bridget on the horizon very soon... It's pretty nice to go to a place that you love with people you truly want to work with. I don't take that for granted when it happens anywhere. 

My favorite thing is how the cast and crew support each other. John McCook (my dad!) has a very cool dressing room close to set. On long days shooting scenes like weddings, he allows us to congregate in there on breaks. He has been so inclusive to every member of the cast since day one. I love quickly catching up with everyone while lounging on his sofas. 

A great deal of you ask about Parker often. With Lexi back on the horizon, (and much talk of Parker on the show recently) there are questions about "Pristina." I did get to chat with Frank Valentini, executive producer of GH, recently at an Emmy event. He wasn't able to confirm any future thoughts about Kristina or Parker, but what's great about the soap genre is this: things change all the time with the stroke of a pen from the writers. People can even "DIE" and come back to LIFE (hello, Hunter Tylo). I truly don't know what their plans are for Parker. Do I think it makes sense to Kristina and Parker on screen together figuring out whatever issues they may or may not have? Sure, of course. I believe there's story left to tell. But, from a production standpoint, there's a whole puzzle of characters to place every week in storylines that keep Port Charles alive and dramatic and fun to watch. This may sound like a politically correct response, but having been on the other side of the camera from time to time, I understand. 

I'm happy to be filming a movie for Lifetime in September. It's a VERY different kind of character. One I've never really played before. Looking forward to spilling the beans as soon as I get the go ahead. I'll be shooting on location in Canada. Excited to go back to the east coast up there. 

Until then... thanks for visiting here. I like sharing ideas, mom stories, fashion choices, favorite products, etc. Always love your ideas, too. Hoping to upgrade the look of the blog soon, but for now, it's simple and straightforward. Curious of any ideas you all have come across for inspiration to update the look here? 

And last but not least, thanks to Soap Digest for the recent cover "casting news." Looking forward to being on your screens more soon. Your emails, comments, tweets and facebook messages get noticed by the powers that be (and ME), so thank you for voicing your thoughts. How would you want these characters to come back into the fold on your favorite show? Fun to hear sometimes.

Now, off to bed. Up early with Hayden and to learn lines for an audition. Magnum P.I.!!

Let Go, Let GOD.

I mentioned a bit ago that I would write an update on "life and work." You all have been so supportive asking. You have no idea how much that means to me. So, here goes. 

A couple of great opportunities came my way work wise. I normally don't discuss this stuff, but for some reason, I feel compelled. Let me explain why. A wonderful role became available on a soap I've never been on (a network television soap, so if you do the math, it's easy to figure out). I ended up testing with a group of amazing women, most of whom you would know if you are soap fans. For those of you that are curious about the definition of testing? The casting directors, producers and network narrow down their choices to usually two or three (in this case it was more than a handful). Then, you show up on set and shoot a scene as if it were a usual tape day. The ladies testing worked opposite one of the show's stars (not sure if I'm allowed to say who yet, so I'll refrain). I woke up at 4:30am. Did a bit of hair...put on some makeup. I had my bag and dress I wanted to wear already in the car (I later wore the same dress to the Emmy parties the following weekend). My call time was 6am in Burbank at the studios where they have taped this show for years. You rehearse, then wait, then head to makeup for touch ups, then wait, etc. Finally, you're called to set and tape the scene. Around 9am it was all over. The tapes go to all the "heads of everything." Producers, writers, network people, etc. They figure out exactly what works for them at that time. You get one shot, by the way. No re-shoots. It's a lot of build up for about 2-3 minutes of delivery.

It was a great experience and you have to hope for the best once you walk away from your test. Any type of test. I've done this many times. Sometimes you get that job, sometimes life takes you in a "different direction."  The quotes at the end of the last sentence symbolize the words actors have heard for years when it doesn't go their way. They simply went "a different direction." 

I love the soap world. I love soap fans. I love getting up to go to work in LA and come home to my family. But, that role wasn't meant for me. I have to take a deep breath and let it all go. Let go, and let God handle it.  Not gonna lie, it's not always easy to swallow. But, it just means I am meant to be somewhere else. Or back on a show I've been on before? Maybe. Just maybe.

Then, another great opportunity came up to be considered for on Hulu. A-List actors. George Clooney directing. The script was stellar. But, there was nudity involved. For my own reasons, it wasn't right for me. 

UGH!!! Back to the drawing board. I know that every time a door closes, you can just open it again because, well--- it's just a door. Timing is everything! If you're in a frustrated spot too, keep your chin up, do your preparation, then open that door again.  

Something has came up for June. I have to get permission to discuss it, but it's fun and dare I say... creepy! Ha!

But, know that I am hoping to be back on your screens soon enough...one way or another. 

And personally, the last couple of months have been interesting. Hard interesting. Having a blended family can be wonderful. It can also present challenges. Since many of you have asked and DM'd why Huck hasn't been in pictures lately, I also feel compelled to bring that up, too. Let's just say we're hoping to have our family all together again soon. I know some of you have shared journeys going through similar experiences, which I have appreciated. I'm grateful for all the good going on in my life, too. My family. My friends. My husband. Hayden is PURE JOY. Our time in Texas was very special. 

If you're in a season of frustration, know that this, too, shall pass. God has something bigger in store for us. Beyond anything we could imagine.  It's one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Ephesians 3:20. And if you wanna share anything in the comments below so we can all encourage each other, please do. I will be reading them later today. 

Big hugs to all.

xoxo

AAJ

ps- the dress I discuss is on sale under $100 for those that need a fun wedding dress! 

And I there's this post with details on the pictures;) Or click below. 

Coming Full circle! Work, travels and turning one!

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It's been a while since I've posted here... I miss it and want to start writing more. Recently, a few life events kept us busy. As many of you know, we moved! Anyone that's ever moved gets this! It is NOT easy. NOT super fun. (You inevitably can't find important items and feel so up in the air it's ridiculous). Then, shortly after we moved residences, we found ourselves traveling again to film a Lifetime movie. Not down the street to Santa Barbara or DTLA, but across the country, up some great lakes and through the border we go.... to Toronto, then Ottawa, where I am currently typing this post. 

I've filmed quite a few tv movies up in Canada...even near the place where we are staying now. I distinctly remember walking to get dinner by myself on my day off one night. I watched families strolling by all bundled. It's pretty special now that I am one of these people...strolling Hayden! I can't wait to say more about what I'm up here filming, but it'll (hopefully) be one fun thriller to watch. I'm playing a doctor. (I guess I missed Bridget!) I'm so grateful Joel was able to fly out for the weekend to get us set up here and will come back for the last part of filming. He returned home for his son Huck and his work. We miss them, but will see them very soon. Huck turns five mid-May and Hayden turns one shortly after! Party time! It honestly seems just like yesterday that I was pregnant and writing this post! I feel silly saying this because it's the most overused phrase, but...where does the time go?

Enjoy the weekend! 

ps- for outfit details, see HERE;)