BarbaraNiven

62 Search Results for "california"

• I can't believe it's almost Ap

  • From: LiLi22
  • Description:

    2009 has started to go by pretty fast!! This year I did not write down any resolutions! I never stick to them so I figured there was no point in writing them down. If there is one thing I have enjoyed since January is the gym being back to normal. At first it was packed--new people coming in and joining. Which is great! But at my gym there isn't a lot of space between the equipment. I'm not sure how you all are, but I like my space--especially when working out!

    The weather in the midwest has been crazy. It's warm one day and then back to 30 degrees the next day!! Craziness! But it has been nice to have the sun out, warmer weather, and I have finally been able to open my patio door and my windows!! I have missed that so much.

    Only a few more weeks of school!! Thank goodness. In one of my classes we started talking about all of the current financial problems and I about got up and left. I have intentionally not watched the news because I don't want to hear about it. There is so much stress of that right now. One person who I used to work with was let go and then she went to work for another company and got let go there when they were doing layoffs. I am ready for this recession to end!

    But one cool thing I have done this year was go to El Salvador for a mission's project. Two things I have much more appreciation for--flushing toilet paper down the toilet, and speed limits. Down there their plumbing isn't the greatest so you really aren't allowed to flush toilet paper down the toilet. There is a waste basket next to the toilet. And they do not have speed limits. If you drive slow they will honk their horns and give you dirty looks. And if someone is one lane over they get over they want to get over and expect you to move out of their way. One thing I def. enjoyed was the children and teenagers that I got to meet. I went to a Catholic orphanage and I absolutely fell in love with one of the babies there. She had such a strong grip on my hand and when I left I had to pry my fingers away from her. It was rough leaving her. We found out that the adoption process for that orphanage is about four years--unless you have some really good connections.

    Another place that I visited with my group was to a home for children and teenagers. It was kind of like an orphanage but not. Most of the children and teens at this home had been abused or abandoned by their parents. They had house parents there so they could try to maintain some normalcy for the kids. The kids were wonderful! They all treated each other like brothers and sisters. Each of the kids made a picture for us that had a picture of all of the kids there in the middle of it. The little girl who had made mine her mother had done drugs while she was pregnant with her and the effects of that are still with her.

    It was my first time leaving the country and I really enjoyed it. Except for the flights! It got very turbulent over Guatemala.

     I saw houses that you see on those commercials and it's def. different seeing it up close and personal. We def. take our sense of security for granted. There are guards on just about every corner with rifles. At the hotel that I was staying at we had two security guards out there 24/7. In the grocery store there are guards posted through out the store. Some of the houses don't even have electricity. Little kids selling stuff on the streets. We met one mother who told us her daughter (28 yrs old) left one day and never came back home. There are two major gangs down there. MS18 & MS13. Both of the those gangs have members in California & Indiana & I believe Mexico as well.

    Being down there I realized how much I had. When I was telling one of the translators what I did they didn't understand. I work in health insurance and they didn't know what that was.

    And I have learned that their crime (murder) rate is just a little below Iraq's crime (murder) rate.

    This year has already been a great year so far!!

    Spring is here!!

     

    Good night!

    LiLi

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 65
  • Not yet rated

• My2tailwaggers

  • Views: 49
  • Since: 10 months ago

• smashcam

  • Views: 63
  • Since: 10 months ago

• Amazing Woman's Day Feb. 28 -

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    Hi to all you Amazing Women! (I know you guys are amazing too, but this time it's all about us.) I just confirmed today that I will be speaking at this glorious, energy-charged event. I love my topic - it's "perfect" for me.  Bad joke, I know.  But boy, this whole "perfect" thing has ruled my life for most of it. I think it does with a lot of women.
    
    Here's how Webster's Dictionary defines "PERFECT":
    
    Ideal.
    Being without flaw or blemish.
    In the condition of complete excellence.
    To make perfect according to a given standard.
    
    But you wanna know what PERFECT really means?
    
    Fake.
    Hiding secrets.
    Boring.
    Not real.
    An illusion.
    A set-up for failure.
    A cover-up.
    IMPOSSIBLE
    
    Our power is in our truest selves. Not some veneer we put on to hide behind. I am still learning this lesson. Getting older helps. I have come so far in this battle against my perfection syndrome, but it's going to be a lifetime war. All I know is that the more I give up PERFECT, the more my life opens up and I truly start claiming my dreams!
    
    I really hope you can come and be part of this Amazing Woman's Day too. The older and wiser I get, the more important my women friends are to me. And there is so much power and creativity when we join together...I think we'll all come away from this ready to launch ourselves into the next stratosphere!
    
    Hope to see you there...and in the meantime, let's vow to lighten up on ourselves and each other. If you will, I will. Deal?
    
    God bless,
    Barbara
    xox
    
    
    ps - Here are the details from the press release:
    
    ONE DAY: February 28, 2009
    The Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village near Los Angeles, California
    9 a.m. - 4 p .m. CREATIVE CONNECTIONS Luncheon Included

    Click here for Amazing_Womans_Day_Invitation.htm

     

    Amazing Woman's Day is an extraordinary, life-changing day that unites hundreds in a wave of empowered feminine entrepreneurship, co-operative business and higher creativity! We gather to ignite our passion, envision our future, and put our creative power into action! Learn more now! http://www.amazingwomansday.com
    
    Please join me along with hundreds of entrepreneurs, coaches, experts, authors, women in broadcast and more as we gather to ignite this new era of inspired action, open to empowered ways to set free your own unique greatness and bring YOUR gifts and talents to life! This is an incredible day of connection that marks the official
    kick-off of a year-long celebration of Amazing Woman's Day program and events throughout the nation and the world!
    
    Ignite the Power of You!
    Learn the Essentials of Feminine Power & Success!
    Hear from Leaders in Feminine Empowerment & Creative Success!
    Meet Feminine Leaders from throughout the United States & the World!
    Discover the REAL Art of Creative Flow and Conscious Creation!
    Unleash the Power of Cooperative Business for Exceptional Success!
    Gain Fresh Insight & A New Sense of Direction! Soar in 2009!
    Expand Your Web of Collaborative Relationships! Friends & Associates!
    Learn Ways to Bring Your Gifts & Talents to Life! Be Your Dream in 2009!
    Discover the Secrets to Creating Sacred Space for Empowered Success!

    
    http://www.amazingwomansday.com
    http://amazingwomansday.ning.com

     

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 192

• Jack Barnard

  • From: Shadoe
  • Description:
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 46
  • Not yet rated

• Liliana

  • From: foziwriter
  • Description:

    Liliana,

    The lovely lady I met 12-12 at Eric & Erika's 4th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Unaccostomed as I am to these kind of social gatherings, I was so bowled over by her that I STUPIDLY neglected to get A) her last name B) her telephone number.

    Yes, I am a DUMBASS!

    Any help in finding her is greatly appreciated.

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 25
  • Not yet rated

• The Alpha Geek

  • From: Shadoe
  • Description:

    In a world somewhere between NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE and SWINGERS, lives Riley Benson: schlock movie writer and would-be super player. Torn between his ultra geek friends and the groovy older woman he falls in love with, Riley has to come to terms with the fact that the only super hero he will ever become, is the one he already is : THE ALPHA GEEK. Starring the wonderful Barbara Niven and a delightful cast of newcomers, this breezy little romantic comedy was written by Kurt Larson and directed by John Walcutt. Featuring all original music by Kurt Gellerstad.
    
    Visit Two Nice Guys Productions for more on The Alpha Geek.

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 692

• "Summer's Blood" poster

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    I shot this film up in Ottawa, Canada in Aug/Sept. 2008.  It's a psychological horror film, unlike anything I've ever made.  We are a family of serial killers, and I play the very demented and alcoholic mother of the family.  Ashley Michelle Greene (of "Twilight") plays the victim we are stalking.  Stepjen McHattie ("Watchmen") plays my husband, and my son is played by Peter Mooney. 

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 121
  • Not yet rated

• S.A.G. Walk of Fame Star Cerem

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    S.A.G. (Screen Actors Guild) received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and I met Rick McKiddy (who I am hugging) and Ed Kelly (S.A.G. Detroit) outside during the ceremony.  Rick has become an amazing friend, and we've worked together since.

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 127
  • Not yet rated

• Speaking to students in Michig

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    I spoke to over 2,000 students in Michigan in September 2008, on "Eating Disorders and Pressures to be Perfect".  It was an amazing experience!

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 92

• With Linda Blair judging "Danc

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    My friend Phyllis Botti (she's on the right) and I were judges at the Bow Wow Meow in Los Angeles, raising money and awareness for animal adoption.  Linda Blair (in pink) was also a judge.  She's a huge animal advocate!  Check it out at World Heart Foundation and please help if you can...

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 91

• Appearing on "The Dr. Keith Ab

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    I appeared twice on Dr. Keith, talking about the pressure to be thin in Hollywood.

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 731
  • Not yet rated

• Hosting a live event with Mich

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:
  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 55
  • Not yet rated

• Jess and Jorg -- just married!

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    My daughter Jess got married this summer in Germany, to a wonderful musician named Jorg.  Check his music out at www.myspace.com/orbitmonkey .  It's great to have a son-in-law!

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 62

• Speaking and signing autograph

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    I was privileged to give the keynote speech in March 2008 to the United Auto Workers - GM Human Resources Conference.  I talked about "Eating Disorders and Being Perfect"...something that corporations are coming to realize can be just as devastating to their employees as addictions like alcohol and drugs.  Thank you Rick McKiddy for putting it together!

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 56
  • Not yet rated

• Speaking at the S.A.G. Detroit

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

    Thanks to Rick McKiddy (in photo) and Marcia Fischman (of S.A.G.), I got to meet the film making community in Michigan, and speak at their first annual film symposium.  Michigan had just passed the best film tax incentives anywhere in the world, and Michigan was getting ready to get bombarded with incoming films.  What a great idea to boost the economy!  I wish Los Angeles would do something like this and use them as an example. 

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 49
  • Not yet rated

• HAPPY NEW YEAR

  • From: foziwriter
  • Description:

    TO ONE AND ALL:
    
    The New Year is finally upon us. We have a new President, a hopeful outlook, and challenges ahead of us. May your New Year be filled with fulfillment of your dreams and aspirations. My your friendships and loves grow stronger. May you reach out to those in your circle and strengthen them as well as yourselves.
    
    I wish you all the best in 2009. Help those who need it whether they know it or not. Be accepting and non-judgmental. And the best in health and happiness.
    
    Love to one and all.
    
    Michael David Stewart
    "Fozzi"

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 31

• "Those who danced were thought

  • From: Barbara
  • Description:

     

    "Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.”– Angela Monet  

    Ahhh...I found this tonight and love it!  This is why I created my original Dreamers Network, so that it could be a support group for those of us who “hear the music”.  We who dare to be Dreamers.  It takes a lot of courage to put your dream out there for everybody to see it!  And to knock it down if they can.  And believe me, they will try.  Because think about it.  If you succeed in achieving your dream, it negates their whole lives if they have settled for less themselves. They have to fight to keep you down right along with them.

    I remember when I first decided I was going to be an actress.  I was almost thirty years old, and a single mother up in Portland, Oregon.  Newly divorced, little money, and even less self-confidence.  But the thing that drove me to action was the thought of wondering "What if?" at the end of my life.  So, I got up my courage and declared it!  Scary, but liberating.  Everybody thought I was crazy.  Told me I was an irresponsible mother,  selfish and ridiculous.  Part of me agreed.  I had no role model, no contacts, no acting resume, nothing.  But deep down I knew that I was meant to do this.  And I had to try.

    It’s been over twenty years now since I was that young mother with the big blonde hair and even bigger dreams…and I want to tell her thank you.  For jumping in, for her leap of faith, for this wonderful gift she gave me.  I have loved this crazy up-and-down acting life and I have raised an amazing, beautiful daughter.  Both my dreams came true!  And you know what, I would still have been twenty years older, even if I hadn’t tried.  Life goes on, no matter which way we turn.  Remember what Robert Frost said? 

     

    “The Road Not Taken”

    -         by Robert Frost

    Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
    And sorry I could not travel both
    And be one traveler, long I stood
    And looked down one as far as I could
    To where it bent in the undergrowth;

    Then took the other, as just as fair
    And having perhaps the better claim,
    Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
    Though as for that, the passing there
    Had worn them really about the same,

    And both that morning equally lay
    In leaves no step had trodden black
    Oh, I kept the first for another day!
    Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
    I doubted if I should ever come back.

    I shall be telling this with a sigh
    Somewhere ages and ages hence:
    two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
    I took the one less traveled by,
    And that has made all the difference.

    So, all you fellow "dancers"... follow your own music and travel your own road.  I applaud your courage and await your miracles.

    God bless,
    Barbara
    xox

     

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 488

• "Heatwave" Barbara with Greg E

  • From: Shadoe
  • Description:

    I was able to hang out on the set of Barbara's movie "Heatwave". Got to meet Bobby Ray Shafer (The Office & Psycho Cop) and then Greg Evigan... loved him on "My Two Dad's" and "BJ and the Bear". He is still looking good!

  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 23

• "Heatwave" Barbara with Bobby

  • From: Shadoe
  • Description:

    I was able to hang out on the set of Barbara's movie "Heatwave". Got to meet Bobby Ray Shafer (The Office & Psycho Cop) and then Greg Evigan... loved him on "My Two Dad's" and "BJ and the Bear". He is still looking good!

  • 11 months ago
  • Views: 18