Again...Why Am I Running?

The challenge of this morning 9 mile run made me really stop and voice again (to myself) why I am doing this. This morning's big bummer: iPod froze up halfway through the run. Is it normal for an iPod to give out before its owner does?

How's the CD Coming Along?

I'm grateful there are people in my life that ask me this question. Actually, I've had people asking me this question for about 17 years. And of course, I've had different answers throughout the years—sometimes optimistic, sometimes horribly pessimistic. It's a question that has been wrought with all kinds of expectation—mostly self-imposed. As if my level of value as a human being was based on when my CD would finally get made.

I know that I've spent a lot of those 17 years (since moving to Nashville from Minneapolis) waiting for someone to give me permission to start living the life of my dreams - which would be symbolized by their investment in me as an artist. I gave a lot of power to small handful of people, gate keepers at record labels - some even friends - who I shouldn't have. And most all of those people have moved on to something else by now. So I'm left wondering, "Who am I supposed to give my power to now?" By power, I mean, the power to tell me I'm a valid artist/person.

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Tribute to the School Crossing Guard By My House

This amazing lady blessed me this morning with a beautiful, random act of kindness. I pay tribute to her with today's video. She made me so happy. Now it's my turn. Has this ever happened to you?

Why Have I Chosen Self-Pity?

For too long I have listened to negative voices, even though surrounded by encouragement. Why did I waste so much time? Just under 4 weeks left of training...and CD comes out 4 wks from today!

Is Delayed Gratification Really Better?

Today was a really tough run. And this video isn't pretty. I'm choosing to press on, though...to continue on this path, regardless of how long, or how difficult it might be.

Don't Stress (Even if you get hit by a car...)

Today marks the longest run ever in my entire life. I was a bit concerned about what it was going to be like, until someone told me to not even think about it. Just do it. So I did. And I'm thrilled.

Info About the Movie I'm In

Here's some great news about the movie I'm so honored to be a part of. If you read this press release, I'm the "saintly mentor" mentioned. Type-casting, right? HA! More info to come as we progress...

Kelly's Filmworks Takes On Breast Cancer With New Film, "1 Message"

Kelly's Filmworks Ltd, known for such thought-provoking films as 'Clancy' and 'The Perfect Stranger', is embarking on a new movie project that deals with the challenges of the breast cancer victim.

"1 Message" tells the story of Becca, a beautiful 28-year-old woman whose perfect life is severely interrupted by the discovery of a lump in her breast. A double mastectomy follows, as well as a dark descent into seclusion and depression. The storyline revolves around her gradual reemergence into a world she sees with new eyes, thanks to a saintly mentor she encounters online.

Based on the novel of the same name by Mary T. Lennox, the screenplay was written by actor Jefferson Moore, who also serves as director and executive producer. Moore's wife, Kelly Worthington, is producer on the project. The couple started Kelly's Filmworks in 2003.

Moore received the novel back in 2006 from Ms. Lennox, a Catholic nun, who was inquiring as to whether or not her first book effort had merit as a screenplay.

"I was immediately drawn to the emotion of the story", says Moore, "it had such a strong message that inspired on so many different levels - inner beauty, family values, self-worth, and the amazing healing power of forgiveness. As a reader, I found myself touched and motivated at the same time, and I knew that feeling would resonate with movie audiences as well." (Moore's mother, Betty, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.)

New York theatre actress Ashley Kate Adams makes her movie debut in the role of Becca, the young woman who believes that her beauty is lost when cancer changes her body. For Ashley, auditioning for the role came with a great personal significance - her grandmother was a cancer patient who also had endured a double mastectomy. According to her, she felt an inner connection to what the main character was going through as a result of her grandmother's experience.

Adams' age was also a determining factor in how "1 Message" will be presented to the viewing public.

"Breast cancer has always been perceived as a 'mature woman's disease' - but that is not the case," says Moore. As a result of this common misconception, Adams will be appearing in a series of online public service announcements, aimed directly at twenty somethings, encouraging them not to neglect monthly self exams.

Kelly's Filmworks' vision for the release of "1 Message" is to carry the 'service' notion one step further; a percentage of proceeds from box office, television and DVD sales from the film will be donated to breast cancer research and prevention. The studio is currently seeking a national partner to help generate awareness for the project, and to serve as its main beneficiary; talks have already begun with several of the larger cancer foundations. "Right now its all about finding a good fit," says Kelly.

Principal photography on the film will continue through the end of August. A release date has not yet been set.