As I sit to write this while listening to the Costco on hold music as I schedule my annual eye doctor exam and decide to open a piece of mail that's been sitting on my desk since yesterday, I remember to stop, breathe, and do one thing at a time. I haven't written a blog post since the summer. There have been so many changes in my life, work, and the way I want to approach both since then. It all began innocently enough with my annual unplug and be present with family for t

Last night we had an incredible screening of "Belonging in the USA: The Story of Michael D. McCarty" thanks to Gemma and two other volunteers from the Echo Park Film Center. Traffic was brutal, so I have to say I was really nervous that we'd have a super low turnout. But folks who both did and did not know Michael or I braved their way despite the traffic. I was extraordinarily excited for the first ever public screening of the pilot episode for several reasons: 1) Michael a

It's been awhile since I posted anything on this blog, and that's because the summer is a time when I'm committed to being with my daughter as much as I can. Instilling the value of presence and a sense of belonging is very important to me as a parent. And while it was extra challenging to me this summer, in particular, with so many exciting things happening in my career, I remained committed to my choice to prioritize time with her and spend time in nature, above all. Thi

When I set out to make "Belonging in the USA: Stories from our Neighbors" in February of 2017, I had no idea it would take so long nor that I would learn as much as I have. It was a year filled with firsts that culminated in our first screening of the rough cut of our pilot episode with a group that went beyond just family and friends. Leading up the screening I felt nervous and self-conscious as one often does when showing art that has taken a substantial emotional, financi