Jax Cassidy's Blog, page 8

A Moment to Breathe

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: Marry Me

Artist(s): Train

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I attended a wedding the first weekend in October and spent most of the time playing makeup artist, hairstylist and photographer. It was challenging but also a whole lot of fun in the process. Doing something else creative, other than writing, is a great mental break and inspiring–all at the same time. Of course, the weather was gorgeous and the bride and groom were positively glowing as they recited their vows on the platform that overlooked the view of the gardens.

I had to review over 1,000 shots and this particular image stood out in my head. I remember we were waiting for the next group of guests to pose with the bride and groom for portraits when I caught the bride taking a breather. She was gazing at her husband thoughtfully and I felt like I was viewing an intimate moment between the two…how wonderful is that? Doesn't this photo make you feel all warm inside?

Candids are the best part of a wedding, in my opinion. Capturing just the right moment is a bit tricky because a lot can happen within 30 seconds. In my head, I knew this was the perfect shot, so I couldn't pass up on it. I'm really proud of this photograph. I've even blown it up as one of two photos I'm giving to the newlyweds as a bonus wedding present. I hope that every time they look upon it, they're remember how perfect their wedding day had been.

Yes, you caught me, I'm a softy at heart…and after this event, I realized I really missed photography. Now I need to stow away more money for those snazzier Nikon lens. I've decided that when I move I'll make sure to spend more time improving my craft. Already I've booked several photo sessions and I'm hoping this excitement will transfer into my writing. I'm definitely going to write a wedding scene in my next contemporary!

Austen Obsessed

"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love."

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What am I listening to?

Title: Trouble

Artist(s): Ray LaMontagne

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I can watch a zillion adaptations of Jane Austen's books made into movies and I can't help but get sucked in every time. Damn, but the woman can write awesome heroes! Another example of someone way ahead of her time.

I've been watching PBS's (Masterpiece Theatre) EMMA starring Romola Garai (Emma) and Jonny Lee Miller aka Ex-Mr. Angelina Jolie (Knightley). It was out in January but I finally got to see it on Netflix. Cinematography — amazing. Setting — breathtaking. Costumes — gorgeous! And, I totally enjoyed the interaction between the hero/heroine. Heck, I loved the costuming so much I want to re-create some of the outfits and give it a modern day twist. Remember Kate and Leopold? Didn't you love Meg Ryan's outfits??? Hummm, sounds like a great career move  if writing doesn't work out for me…  [image error]

[image error]Okay, sometimes having distractions are a good thing. Visual stimulation makes me feel better. Now that I've gotten my movie obsessions out of the way…especially the Jane Austen ones…Ladies & Gents, yes, I have snapped out of the haze of self-doubt and insecurities, thankyouverramuch.

So if you think I've been scarce lately, it may be for a little while longer. The good news is, I will hopefully see that double rainbow at the end of the tunnel.

******

‎"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood." –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kicking It Up

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: Mad

Artist(s): Ne-Yo

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Enough is enough…It's time to take action. Time to kick butt and finish projects. I'm tired of this writing funk so I decided to do something about it.

My new Jax Kick Writing Butt Bootcamp regimen will include getting up earlier than my slackish 8:00 AM routine, doubling up on caffeine, reciting motivational quotes (when I'm about to crack), and throwing myself fully into the writing cave.

I've also decided that change isn't going to...

Closure

Artist: Pablo Picasso

Title: picasso's sketch book: "toro y toreros lavis dencre de chine sur papier, 1959."

[image error]What am I listening to?

Title: Sway

Artist(s): Perishers

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Writing can go either way for us. One day we're on a roll and the next, the proverbial creative ink well is dry. What does one do when they've hit a rock? They catch up on everything they haven't had a chance to do in years. I've been reading, spending time with family, and watching shows on DVD that I've missed…jammies and...

Memories Monday

Artist: Salvator Dali

Title: "The Persistance of Memory," 1931

[image error]What am I listening to?

Title: Bleed

Artist(s): Hot Chelle Rae

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When I was a kid I was really convinced I'd be an artist, fashion designer, dancer, actress…and the list goes on. It wasn't until I was in middle school that I wanted to be a journalist. Not just any kind but a Broadcast Journalist covering the wars, natural disasters, poverty…even then I wanted to make a difference. I idolized Connie Cheung. After all, she was the...

Remembering 9-11

[image error]Even after all these years I remember that day vividly.

I was recovering from an auto accident a day after my birthday, a day before 9-11–I was bedridden, neck in a brace, hopped up on pain meds…but all I could think about was wanting to help. The tears never stopped and all I could do was pray for those lost souls. Pray that they didn't suffer because no one deserved that kind of fate. It was devastating and it's not an event a person can ever forget.

Nine years later and I still can't forget ...

Sweet Sixteen Again

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: If You Were Here

Artist(s): Thompson Twins

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Sweet sixteen seems like yesterday…good times. I may not have gotten my hands on Jake Ryan, but I did get someone even better–Mr. Right! And I wouldn't trade him for a dozen Jake Ryan's! Sometimes reality is better than fantasy..seriously.  :)

Unfortunately, this year I'll be celebrating all by my lonesome. Mr. Right promised he'd make it up to me but I'm not going to complain, he got me an awesome gift–camera porn...

Art Inspired

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: The Scientist

Artist(s): Natasha Bedingfield

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Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant artist and his painting of the Mona Lisa has long been a favorite portrait displayed at the Louvre. I have even ventured to see the mysterious smile during my life in Paris. I suppose the reputation made me believe she was larger than life, but the actual painting itself stands only 30 x 22 inches. Quite a difference from the wall-sized oils by Monet which I could spend hours...

Time to Heal

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: Walking on Sunshine

Artist(s): Katrina & The Waves

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I've spent a lot of time invested in various projects because of my passion, love, and commitment to certain things. The past few years I've noticed that people aren't as kind, generous, and friendly as they once were. Sadly, some people will find any reason to fault you, especially when your words hit a chord. Even though the message isn't aimed or directed at them, they immediately think the worst. Instead...

Must. Write. Fast.

[image error] What am I listening to?

Title: The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Artist(s): The Script

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I have a goal to finish and polish this manuscript in 3 1/2 weeks.

Right.

It's been extremely difficult to find my footing again when it comes to writing. Maybe the whirlwind chaos in my personal life has contributed to the stagnant creativity. However, as the pressures mount, I know I will meet those deadlines..even if I'm kicking and screaming all the way to the end. Okay, truthfully, I'm not one who needs...