Annika's Bliss

She's Back!

2013-02-17T08:25:00.001-08:00

After a very long and difficult year, Annika is back on the Casting Call scene. She has never given up her love for Acting or her desire to do it. This Spring she wants to play Soccer along with her younger brother. She is playing the Flute and Recorder and also is in the School Chorus. She is auditioning as a soloist for chorus. Annika has had quite a year. In June she travelled for the summer and returned to RI to start fifth grade. We moved to a new home but stayed in the same school. Annika now has 2 dogs (Australian Shepherds) and 2 cats. She also has several fish.

We are still with Model Club Inc of Boston and they are sending her for a Casting for a role in a Feature Film being produced in the Boston area that will star Zoe Saldana and Mark Ruffalo. Annika is pretty excited to get back out there and hopefully we can facilitate more opportunities as a family for her to keep up auditioning. The key here is that we are doing this altogether as a family and one person's extra curricular or hobby or passions, does not supercede anyone else's. If Annika's career took off and she needed the support, we would certainly make every effort to support her, but her Acting is no more or less important then school, chorus, soccer, band or any of our activities. This is an important facet to it that people need to remember!

We really have deep convictions about how we want the kids to be raised and we try to give them a well-rounded experience. As a family we have already decided we are Hikers, Skiers, Surfers and Bike Riders. So we have lots to keep us busy!

Take care everyone and we will keep you posted about the Casting call!

AngelMarie

Featured Actor ~ Model Club

2012-03-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

Annika Salgado's Headshot is featured here:::

http://www.modelclubinc.com/kids_actors_girls.php

If you click on her face, you will link to her resume.

Annika has been busy with lots of wonderful opportunities coming along from the Agents. She has been auditioning a lot. Most of the auditions are at Hasbro Headquarters in Pawtucket RI or at Christine Wyse in Boston. Featured clients have been Houghton Mifflin, Phillips, Hasbro, Massachusetts Dept. of Tourism...etc.

Creating your child's resume takes time and focus. Both the Parent and the child must take the time to gain the experience so that a resume can be created. There are many ways to do this. If your child is inexperienced, you may look into church programs, and community theater to help boost the resume. Another wonderful idea is to take a 6 week or summer program (you pay for these) at a reputable theater company like Trinity Rep. or Artists Exchange (in Rhode Island). You will pay for it, but you can have it on the resume. In Annika's case, she participated in
Celebrity Actors Camp and was trained by Disney Stars. She also had a Showcase and performed to agents from all over the country. This was excellent for boosting her up in writing!

Battleship Ball charity for Hasbro Hospital

2012-03-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hasbro Children's Hospital Battleship Ball

in the Ballroom at the RI Convention Center

Saturday, March 3rd 2012

Annika was part of a wonderful charity event. Alongside about 8 other Model Club Inc Actors and Models who have used the services of the Children's Hospital, Annika was able to land three jobs in the production of the event. The first job was to create a commercial that advertized and publicized the Ball. The second job was to create a Music Video that was shown at the Ball featuring the children dancing to a B-52's song. The B-52's were the Band that performed at the Ball. Finally, the children were invited to participate in the Ball and assist in achieving the financial goals for the Children's Hospital.

For those of us parents who were there, it was a wonderful time to bond and get to work together. The children also enjoyed getting to know each other. They were so adorable and everyone at the Ball seemed happy to see them and hear from them. They worked with the Channel 12 Meteorologist, Tony Petrarca. He was the hard-working MC for the night. The kids and him made a great team. Sheryl the organizer and creator of the event had a wonderful team of people who thought of everything that would make us comfortable. Paul created the video and Guy Abelson was the one who actually hired the children. It was awesome to get to work with professionals of this caliber!

When the night was over, the B-52's had sent candy and autographs for the children, Sheryl let the kids take their sailor suits home and asked us if we could work together again sometime! Everyone said Yes!

It was a wonderful time, not soon forgotten.

Pilot Tv Series!

2012-02-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Annika was invited to audition for the role of 8 year old Emma in the new tv pilot series for ABC called Glided Lilys. It looks like a fascinating and different script! I think this could really catch on. It is a show I would definitely watch!

So we are so excited about the possibilities. More on this after the audition tomorrow.

Finding Jobs in BeanTown

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you are not from around here, Beantown is Boston.

Ok, so the Agents called us Tuesday for this Casting Opportunity Thursday. I run a daycare and Thursday is the day that ALL the kids are here and I have no assistant. SO...I get on the phone and start making calls. I manage to get her Dad to stay home with our son and one other child and I change the schedule of two other children and then I have my afternoon pickup arrive early. Now Dad had to get Annika from school on his way home. DONE

Tuesday afternoon, following that call, Annika shot a Music Video for BattleShip Ball at Hasbro Children's Hospital. She made he first friend in the acting world, a girl named Emily! I was so happy because I had seen Emily a few places before and then she appeared in the commercial with Annika. They were able to be in the music video together! After 2 hours of dancing, we went home tired. Annika still had to complete homework, her ALAP Honors project which she happens to be writing about "Acting".

Thursday I felt like a truck hit me by mid-day...so tired, and sore throat. Not many people know this about me but I have CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I used to let it hold me back from trying to be more busy and active but now, I just face the symptoms as they arise, which they did...Thursday. I became a whiny, miserable nag about the drive to Boston and complained that no one understood how hard I work for Annika's Acting Opportunities. POOR ME. I wish I could take it all back now, but I was "set off" when Annika was moving slowly in preparing to leave. Anyway...we finally got in the car at 2:15pm and her Casting Call was at 4:30pm in Back Bay Boston.

I found a decent parking spot at about 3:30 and Annika and I could not believe how fast we got there. Looking back, it was fortunate we had arrived eary because we signed-in early, did a headshot, read the script and had the opportunity to see the Director before he left for a late lunch. Had we arrived after 4, we would not have seen him! It was Jonathan...the Director from her Common Core Job! I said hello to him by name and asked if he remembered Annika and he did. He explained that the video she created had been "shelved, possibly for good" because the project was not being funded now." He said we may be able to see it at some point if we come to his office.

Annika announced she loved Boston, after we left the Audition. She loves the Bigness of the City, the Buildings, the people and the sounds. I have to admit, I love it too. We added a few quarters to the meter and grabbed a sandwich before leaving town. It was fun to relax.

The drive back was as quick as the drive out, and NO STRESS. What had I been so uptight for? I didn't even know. Why was I so edgy? I had no idea! It was a great day and from the sound of it, Annika nailed her part so now comes the odious task of choosing from all those wonderful kids! We had a few great chats in the waiting room. We met some other wonderful young actors and their parents.

I really do love what we are doing. I want to do it more...fill more of my time with it. I hope for Annika's sake, she gets a movie role in 2012!

Getting to The Casting Calls

2012-02-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

The most important and insane part of the Acting process for a child actor is getting to the casting calls! It is hectic and often there is little notice. Children must be escorted by an adult and the adult most likely has a job, which means they are juggling their schedule.

Today Annika has a Casting Call at Christine WYSE Casting in Boston's Back Bay area. I hate the drive to Boston, especially in the afternoon and evening coming back. BUT...I love Annika and I want her to have her opportunities. We checked the train schedule and of course, it is sold out for the times we need to commute.

So instead I onsessively studied the driving directions and used the Google Map feature of street view and attempted to ingrain to my memory what the street turn would look like. This way I will not miss it!

On my last trip to this particular casting location, I missed my exit in Boston and I had no gps to circle me around. Luckily, I had been there about 3 times before and we have walked all about Boston because her Agents are nearby and other casting locations are nearby. So on that day...I circled and circled until I found the street, identified the address and then could not find parking.

It all worked out that day, although she did well for the casting she was not hired for that job. But getting hired is important, it's just not everything. Remember that!

Battlefield Ball Tv Commercial

2012-02-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here is Annika's tv premiere (commercial)

This is in Rhode Island. Her Agency, Model Club is in Boston. Chelsea Gilson has been responsible for a lot of Annika's job leads and also our old friend Andrew Wilson...both from Model Club Inc., of Boston.

For her ALAP project, Annika is tackling the query of, "What opportunities exist for children in Theatre and Tv?"

This is what she is passionately driven towards. All aspects for theatre and Acting appeal to her right now. In time, she will learn what she would like to specialize in, and then get training toward that.

For now...Thanks again Adrian R'Mante and Celebrity Actors Camp! I am glad we took the chance! Thank you to our good friends, Linda Sundstrom and Gregory for the extra Improv course last Spring!

Sincerely, AngelMarie

The S L O W road to success

2012-02-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Child-Acting is fun...but not glamorous. It is work. It is worry. It is Managers of ingenuity meeting up with Masters of Industry and it is an exceptional child that plants their seed in the minds of those who will hire her. They will not adore her, but respect her and the process. They are the consummate professionals. I feel humbled being in their world. We just work at it every day and do our best to be where we need to.

Annika's first tv commercial has been aired on channel 12/WPRI in RI. I have not yet seen it and neither has she! Our friends have seen it! I am glued to the tv watching for it. I know it is probably a beautiful commercial. I am glad her first appearance in a tv ad is for a good cause and not for a product. It will not always be that way, but I place a lot of trust in the universe to deliver the right jobs and the right time and the right people...all for her best outcome.

Everyday I am grateful to be on this journey. Everyday I wonder how will we...when will we...where will we...and then I surrender it. I do not have all the resources I need to make every detail come together seamlessly for Annika and for her career but I have not let that stop me! I will not let that stop me.

Annika's First TV COMMERCIAL!

2012-01-25T05:44:00.000-08:00

Child-Acting is a funny world..a funny Industry.
It is not at all what it seems! People may think it is glamorous and easy but it is hard hard work. It takes hard work, dedication and patience. Every step of the way and in every moment of the journey, a youth actor must always remember who they are and why they are doing what they do. There is a great need for a child actor to have a strong support network and especially to have parents who are instilling some strong moral fiber and values. Without a strong mind, the child actor will give up, be full of fear or just turn obnoxious. The Acting Industry is a People-Industry that requires the highest degree of interpersonal skills in order to achieve any success. You RECEIVE back as much as you GIVE. A child actor must know and learn to give...GIVE of themselves and be kind and courteous and always joyful.

My Annika has a unique quality that truly endears people to her. I must share, however, about the dark side of people...and their influence on Annika over the last 11 months. There are those people around her who give here their unwavering support on an emotional level and also make sacrifices to help her ...so that is on the physical level. Some really spiritual and encourgaing people have even helped lift her to some greater depths along the way too. But sadly, there are those who choose to cut-down and be offensive to this hard-working little actor. Children in her grade have chided her...friends have put her down ...even other adults in our lives have sent such conflicting behavior about her that it has become necessary for us to simply ignore it and overlook it. We (meaning Annika and Me and her Dad) have had to do this in order to not behave badly back to those people. Actors need thick skin...to overlook the abuse they may encounter from negative people. But it is worth it. It is worth it when you have a week like ours.

So Annika had not had a Casting Call since October 22nd. I checked in with the agency as a good Mom-ager should. I keep things positive, I try not to complain or nag or be overbearing because I can only imagine that they have some Talent in there, whose representatives do that! I remind them regularly that we are grateful. I visit their facebook page and read their posts and "like" their comments and offer encouragement to the other youngsters who are experiencing successes. None of us can possibly know which of the children will become lifelong actors or which will give up or which will be Broadway stars or Hollywood Icons one day. We do not have a crystal ball. My Annika is no different than any of the others...just a good kid with a great personality and a lot of special... something! So how did she come to inherit her first commercial? Glad you asked. Since you are no doubt reading this in order to learn how to help your child or yourself get into acting, I will include as much detail as I can recall.

First, about two weeks ago, Model Club Inc. sent out an email to all the Talent in a certain age group asking if anyone had ever used the services of Hasbro Hospital in Providence RI. When Annika was born, we were living in Providence and as a young child, she was twice treated at Hasbro. I responded to the email right away (I always make myself available for Model Club). I wrote them a short two paragraphs about here expereinces at Hasbro. We were told in the email that if Hasbro wanted our child, we would be called by Hasbro directly. A week passed and no phone call. I assumed we were not selected. No problem..we went about our business. Then one morning, I get a call from Model Club asking if we can reserve Tuesday January 24th for a possible Hasbro Shoot. The word shoot is vague, I know. I had no idea what kind of project this was and neither did our agent surprisingly. But of course I said, YES! Nothing was confirmed until the morning before the "shoot" when we received the instructions from our Agent to report to Hasbro's World Headquarters Office in Pawtucket RI that day at 1pm.

Annika was thrilled and after a bit of negotiating we got my clients situated and our transportation situated and a sitter for Annika's little brother and we headed out to the job. Annika and I try to make these special days fun and engaging and we really try to "suck the marrow" out of it...just throw ourselves into it and have a lot of fun. Arriving at Hasbro was like a mini-trip to Walt Disney World. Here are some great photos of this fabulous RI Company:

For those who have never heard of Hasbro, they are a RI-based toy company and are world-famous! Their Hospital...The Hasbro Children's Hospital...is a beautiful and high-tech facility that among other things homes a Cancer Unit and Burn Unit for children in our local area.

When we arrived, we were given "Visitor badges" and escorted through a maze of hallways cleverly named and proudly displaying the company's life-work...their toys! I wished we could snap photos but this was not allowed. We can only cherish the experience to ourselves. However, I can tell you that we first came up Memory Lane and then Crossed down Main Street, taking Light Brite Way and passing "The Hinge" before finally arriving to Cake Mix Studios and our first Commercial Shoot. When Annika found out she was to be in a Television Commercial for Hasbro Childrens Hospital's upcoming Gala Fundraiser, she was thrilled!

Here she is getting into hair and makeup:

Some of the pictures are blurry but hopefully the fun shines through. Ever the learner myself, I had many questions for Aaron, the Second Assistant and Kris our Hair/Makeup Specialist. It was fascinating to hear her story of how she came into her job through her passion for the Industry and willingly working in a variety of roles within the Industry until she was able to find her niche here at Hasbro and she loves it.

Annika had fun reading her lines and the Director Ashley has such a great technique with getting the right lines and the right delivery from the kids. A child is professional if they can really follow the directions and change as they go along and be positive and ultimately deliver some great lines and their were a few very special moments where the crew and Director really liked Annika's work. Altogether we were there an hour or so. We left on a high...with Annika's beautiful hair! Here was us decompressing outside after a fun commercial shoot:

Ah...the many sides of Annika. She really has a charming face. I am her biggest fan. I really am. I am so proud of her. She is brave and adventurous and good at what she does!
But don't just take my word for it...listen to her tell you herself:

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Children's Theatre

2011-11-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Wanting to Act is one thing, but discovering your specialty takes time.
Annika and I frequently are asked about what type of Acting she desires to get into. My dream for Annika would be for her to pursue THEATRE...a noble and historical form of performing and one to which I feel a kindred nature. My daughter however, does not share my kindredness...so to speak. She is nearly ten years old and has not had the exposure I have to musical theatre nor has she developed any taste for it. It feels like it is an art form that is losing it's following. I realize that in many places around the country live theatre (like Broadway) are fully operational and draw plenty of audience. Here in Rhode Island for example, as I have blogged about before, we do have some wonderful local theatre. Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island also both offer great shows. There are several wonderful Children't Theatre groups here, like Kaleidescope and Theatre by the Sea, as well as Trinity Rep. I would love to see Annika get more involved with any one of these. But first things first, there needs to be developed a LOVE of theatre...an interest in it.

Going into her fourth grade year, Annika was unaware that she would be placed under the direct tutelage of the perfect lady, Mrs. Anita Boyd. Annika's school is full of lovely and bright educators. In fact, district-wise, Annika's particular school is highly desired by Warwick Teachers! And so, on her first day of fourth grade, she met the woman who would change her course, her destiny. You see, as a Law-of-Attraction believer, I had spent my summer pursuing avenues where Annika could gain instruction and training in theatre and Stage-Acting. More importantly I applied faith and certainty to the fact that she would soon receive what she needed in this way!

The jobs she has worked through her Talent Agency have been on camera, and in a production setting like that, you can be a soft-spoken actress and still give a performance with great impact. After all, that is what microphones are for! But when you do live theatre, it's a totally different animal. When I met Mrs. Boyd at the School Open House, I liked her straight away. She had a no-nonsense air about her and a sweet nature. She also came across as being tremendously intelligent and caring.

Annika with Mrs. Boyd at the Auditions

A month after that first meet, Annika had circulated a petition and brought it to her school principal, Ms. Dambruch. the petition was to request a drama club for the elementary school. A month after her petition, Mrs. Boyd and another teacher decided to take the lead on producing a school play! Only grades 4-6 were allowed to audition. The play would be the beloved story by Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach! Mrs. Boyd had informed me upon our first meeting that her own daughter had been involved in a lot of theatre and that this was a passion of hers (Mrs. Boyd's). She wasn't sure if they would be able to make it happen, after all, school teachers these days wear a LOT of hats! But happily, it was all coming together!

Auditions proceeded and were amazing...WoW the talent there at Annika's School! Our very close friend David also tried out and was cast in the lead role of JAMES! What an amazing honor! And to my knowledge there was no one more worthy to play the part. David is an excellent reader, writer and actor. He listens and picks up on cues well. He is extrmely bright, imaginative, innocent and charismatic. As an Actor, David has a way of really bringing out the subtle emotion of James. Annika was cast in a major role also, as the LADYBUG! She is delighted! She has a natural softness and motherliness about her and this what Ladybug is in the play. The cast will begin rehearsing in December of 2011 and will have the production in late May 2012.

Annika's Agent, Andrew at Model club, was so proud of Annika. He hopes to be able to come down in person and see her perform. Playing the role of Ladybug will be an excellent way for her to get the practice, exposure and experience that she needs to perform in a theatrical way. I continue to look for training and one-on-one teaching for her to become a more well-rounded theatrical performer, but this will certainly help the process. The only other experience Annika has with this is from my Home Daycare, YGA. Each year, on the Friday at the end of April vacation, the children produce a Talent Show. This April is our 3rd Annual YGA Talent Show. Here are some photos from last years' show:

David Yabut and Annika both have been putting on Theatrical Performances together for a few years now. They formed a band last year with their friend from these photos, Nicolas...they called the band Oceanside. For the reason of artistic differences, Oceanside is currently not together, but the three friends, all who meet regularly at my house and daycare, YGA, are gaining a lot of exposure to theatre by producing this show each year. Nicolas is our show's Director and offers great insight on props, sets and costumes.

So now, the gang will have 2 great theatrical events next Spring. Winter will be a lot of work, but then the shows will really be great!

Interview with a Celebrity Actors Camp alum

2011-11-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

Annika M. Salgado attended Celebrity Actors Camp (Cac) in Providence RI in February 2011.

Since attending the camp, Annika has been signed on for representation with Model Club Inc. of Boston Massachusetts. Over the summer of 2011, Annika was hired for 2 acting jobs through Model Club. She travels the Boston and RI area for Acting Auditions. Locally, in Providence RI there is a wonderful theatre called Trinity Repertoiry Theatre. Every winter, Trinity Rep and Cardi's furniture put on a production of "Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Annika was going to audition but was ill for the audition dates and we did decide to pass for this year, sadly.

Since completing camp, Annika has continued her Acting Training by taking an Improv course at The Artists Exchange of Cranston RI. This was a 6 week course. Presently she is playing a lead role in her elementary school production of "James and the Giant Peach", by Roald Dahl. Today, we conducted an interview with Annika to ask her some questions that her fans and friends, and blog readers, may like to know about her.

Name: Annika Marina Salgado
Age: 9 years and 11 months old.

Q&A

1. How would you describe your family life?
My family consists of my dad and mom and 3 year old brother. My extended family includes 2 older sisters. We travel a lot as a family; visitng my sister in New York and going on vacations. We like to go to amusement parks as a family, although I do not like fast rides. I prefer sleeping in cabins (like in New Hampshire) or tents, and hiking and having a campfire.

2. What are your mom and dad's parenting style?

My parents are strict with me. I have chores and they set restrictions and limitations on everything, like my schoolwork, tv time and internet usage. I realize that they are helping to promote a healthy lifestyle for me. Some of my friends' parents are not as strict. At least when mom gets angry, she explains things calmly to me and allows me to learn.

3. What are your favorite subjects in school and why?

I excel at math. I can figure out problems really well. In fact, that is why I was selected to be in ALAP. I also do well in Social Studies. I think it is my ability to memorize what I read. It benefits me in Acting too!

4. What inspires you?

Well, I was inspired to be an Actress. I liked playing "cameraman and interviewer". Then one day I heard a radio commercial saying to audition for Disney, and I told Mom. A few weeks later, she heard the same commercial and called and made the audition spot. I was inspired because although I felt nervous, I was more excited then nervous. I felt comfortable "on stage". I look forward to travelling and learning new scripts.

5. What organization or activity are you the most proud to be a part of?

I am proud of ALAP, YGA Talent Show we produce every year, volunteering at my elementary school and I hope to join the school Safety Patrol Program when I reach the 6th Grade.

6. Do you have a Celebrity muse? Tell us about them.

Oh yes! SELENA GOMEZ

I Love Selena because she is beautiful inside and out! I admire that she sings and Acts!

7. What are your future plans as an Actress?

Just like my favorite Disney actress, Selena Gomez, I would like to be able to have a tv series so I can be on a set...the same set...everyday for 12 seasons!
(12 is my lucky number)

8. Tell us how Celebrity Actors Camp has changed your life?

I loved being one of the few kids chosen from my area to participate in CAC! First of all I felt special. I loved meeting Adrian R'Mante. He has a magnetic personality! It was really exciting to have Matthew Timmons as one of the Celebrity Camp Teachers because he was on break from shooting in his Disney tv series, The Suite Life on Deck. I mean, I went home and saw him on tv every night! It was really exciting! The best thing is that CAC taught me the most important and valuable thing I would need for my career, which is HOW to audition and make the right impression. Just like an adult job interview, there is a Right way to make a good impression and be remembered. At the end of camp, the campers participate in a Showcase where they are seen and heard by Talent Agents. That was how I got signed to an agent.

9. What is your opinion about the Movie and Tv Industry?

Most people would agree that the Movie and tv Industry is competitive. I choose to see it as work. I am willing to work! Those young people who succeed need to be mature.

10. What agency represents you?

Model Club Inc of Boston. My favorite Agent is Andrew.

11. What Acting jobs have you gotten with your Agency?

I have had 2 jobs so far,
1. Phillips Magnavox, an Internal training video where I recited my lines in front of a green screen.
2. Houghton Mifflin Publishers webcommercial for Common Core.

I have had about 20 auditions and 2 jobs!

12. What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in Acting?

Being a kid and an Actor is challenging. I am lucky to have parents who coach me and get me the training I need to succeed. I know that actors sometimes do not get every role they want, but for me, I focus on loving what I am doing and I know the right roles will come to me (or I will be drawn to them).

Thank you Annika!

Little Break, Big Theatre!

2011-11-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

I love using the Law of Attraction, and relying on what our thoughts can bring. Our confidence, and belief can produce anything...Annika knows this. She knows this deeply. ANNIKA KNOWS THIS. Annika is a great manifestor of good.

Annika has moments of greatness that are SO great they are Divine! She can turn and face a camera and come to life. She can cry and make your heart bleed. She can scold you in anger and make you feel broken for days. She is POWERFUL. I love this child.

At Robertson Elementary School, here in Warwick RI, things have been happening. The school is going to have a production of James and the Giant Peach , a musical play written by Roald Dahl. Annika's fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Anita Boyd is the person responsible for bringing this event to be. Annika had a small hand in it since her Acting career has caused a little stir among the students at the school and now there are many who are eager to get involved.

AUDITIONS for the play happened this past Tuesday and today (Thursday), students received their callback slips. Annika was thrilled to receive hers and more importantly, she received high praise from her beloved Mrs. Boyd. I believe the exact words were, "You are a wonderful singer"...a compliment my daughter will cherish A.L.W.A.Y.S. ~Thank you Mrs. Boyd~ you wonderful lady.

Annika on stage to Read a Monologue and Sing for her Audition

Annika DID help create that "buzz" at school...she even petitioned the principal, Ms. Dambuch. She had 45 signatures of kids who wanted a Drama club! And because the Law of Attraction was hard at work, they not only have that, they have a production underway! Glorious day! Last year, when Annika first started to get consistent audition/casting calls, I wrote to Ms. Dambruch (I wanted it in writing for her permanent file), explaining that Annika would have early leaves and some absences due to this venture. In that letter I went on to explain that Annika was passionate about using her work as an Actress to benefit the school. That was last May. Look at us now.

Annika (cheerleader) at Halloween 2011

Since the start of the 2011-2012 school year...aka Annika's fourth grade year, So many good things have happened. Easily and effortlessly and by making a Declaration of purpose, Annika and I have manfiested many personal dreams. One of my goals was to finally get involved with the PTO and be more tied in at Annika's school. Already since the start of the year, Annika and I have volunteered together with the PTO for a full day event. We met with a family from school to see if we can do a Musical Project together. Annika is going to be one of the Leads in her School Production and I have volunteered to help in any way needed. Also, Annika is an ALAP student and we have been to 2 extracurricular functions for ALAP. This may be "all in a regular week" for some (AMAZING) Mothers and kids...but for Annika and me, it has been a matter of faith. We finally have faith in each other, our community and faith in the power of LOVE (without which, none of these things would matter)

Annika with Hailey (Cravings), our server from Crystal Lake/Daly's wedding

Annika with her HairDresser, Savann Yun.

Something I really am trying to teach my daughter...with lessons, words and by example...is to live her life purposefully and always LOVE people. I have seen her do this time and time again. She genuinely loves people and cares to learn about them and build a connection with them. If Annika never becomes a Disney Channel Star, she will still always be a STAR.

~mama

Nine-year olds and friendship

2011-11-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

My nine-year old, Annika M Salgado, is an extraordinary kid! Since she was only a year old, she has had a social circle...friends. Now at nine, Annika still has a large social circle and receives recognition often from adults too! Annika is an Actress through and through. Also, Annika loves to serve and support. Being that I am a Social person and understand the importance of networking, my daughter Annika has become my shadow. I think this is good for Annika. From a young age she is already learning the importance of relationships...all kinds of relationships.

There are some really important people in Annika's life: Her sisters and her brother, close friends, schoolmates and her dad and me. Part of Annika's development as a fourth grader, is acceptance of change and the possibility that people change. When our friends change this can sometimes leave us feeling a little empty or lost. Annika has experienced this a little over the last 12 months of her life. For better or worse though, she has one friend who has always remained constant...Nicolas.

Friendships go through a lot and Annika has had some challenges at school and on the bus and sometimes had problems just getting along with kids here at the house and in the daycare. She is fiery...demanding. But on her best days, Annika is delightfully generous and warm-hearted. She comes home from school and embraces the little ones with love and affection. I even get a hug sometimes! I love when I get a hug. But besides me and her dad and sisters, Annika's biggest fan is her closest and oldest friend Nicolas.

Annika also loves her friends David and Ally who come after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The four of them together and with Lex have a great time playing and making up shows and dances and games! As a Mother, and as ANNIKA's MOTHER, I believe this is very good for her development...having to share her space and her Mom and her time each day. Some days she is not in the mood...but most of the time she does really well. She would be incredibly lonely without these friends!

Nicolas helped create their band, Oceanside (with David Yabut)

Oceanside perform at YGA 2nd Annual Talent Show in April 2011 (Nicolas lead singer)

Nicolas, David Yabut and Annika with neighbors Haylee and Faith in Summer 2011

Annika's baby brother Lex with David and Ally Yabut and Nicolas and Annika

Nicolas and Annika at ages 4 and 5 with Original Daycare group, Haleigh and TJ

Nicolas Abatemarco over the Summer 2011
10 years old

Outside of Annika's Childcare and school circle, she has Darien. Darien is also a very special friend and someone who is always there for her and supports her honestly. He watched out for her. Annika considers Darien to be like a brother..often referring to him as a half-brother. I admire her for her warmth and her openness with regards to her family. Much like with Nicolas, whom she sometimes calls a brother, Darien has been in her life a long time.

Annika will come to understand...as years go on...the value of having relationships with people who have known you your whole life. They can answer questions you have as you get older. This is something I do not have...never had. Perhaps keeping these Blogs is my way of recording it so that Annika and Lex can reflect later.

Another very importnat relationship in Annika's life is with her Girlfriends! She has plenty of them and she loves them dearly!

Mama and Annika in Annika's daycare...where I was the Lead teacher in her classroom...because I can never be away from my babies...nope, I cannot...I just can;t do it.

Annika Flower Girl

2011-10-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Like every role that Annika has ever played...she made a perfect flower girl in her Sister Daly's wedding. Annika looked like a miniature bride and she was lovely and an excellent servant. Every picture I saw of her that day, Annika had her signature head tilt pose. I must credit her sister Dimaris Salgado for teaching her this. Dimaris, or Didi as we call her, is also in the Fine Arts community where she is a dancer and performer. Didi may well be the inspiration behind Annika's interests in Acting...not sure on that. Here are some photo's of Annika's sister Didi:

Because Annika has older sisters, a younger brother and a half-brother who is older...she has a wealth of support and love. These are very important people in her life (and mine). Here are some pictures of Annika's sister Daly (the Bride):

Annika is especially fortunate to have a half-brother Darien. He has even traveled with her to auditions and supports her in all her endeavors! Here are some pictures of Darien:

Now that Daly is a married woman, Annika is happily embracing her new brother-in-law, Justin. Here are some pictures of Justin and also Annika's baby brother Lex (I also must point out Annika's Father is with Justin in two of the photos):

I snuck myself in there too. after all, where would a child Actress be without a hard-working Mama-manager, right? I keep track of her appointments and manage her professional image. I correspond with her agency and handle her banking and financial distribution. I keep her important contacts such as her hair stylist and friends and other important associates. I update her resume and photos and mail them out to the right people as requested. There is a lot of work that goes into "Managing" a child actress...and we have not hardly even begun to work yet! I know other young actors who are SO busy and constantly auditioning and traveling. Annika is not at that stage yet. I admire them...for now we are pacing ourselves!

Being a part of Daly and Justin's wedding and their lives in general is a privilege for Annika. She admires her sisters both so much. They each have different and unique talents and traits from which Annika learns to be a better person. As a Mother, I could not be more grateful to THEM for how they enhance her life. I also must credit their mother, Dama for her role in raising responsible and successful and confident women!

You see these women? They are some of the most gracious and amazing people I know. I appreciate them teaching Annika what to strive for!

Also, (not pictured), I would like to credit Savann Yun of Warwick RI for being our fabulous stylist/seamstress/beautician. I don't know where we would be without her!

Good Things in Annika's Life

2011-10-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Showing gratitude and living in a Way that demonstrates gratitude as the Right attitude...this is a value that I instill in my children. Annika knows that if she wants to be an actress and work in theatre or tv, she must consistently demonstrate that she is connected to the value system and belief system that is at her core being. Annika believes in the Universal Light ...that she did not come out of nowhere, but rather that she is a divine being and so is everyone around her. Everyday, she proves to me more and more that she understands and wants to live her life this Way. Since February, Annika has grown as a person so much. What a year at has been for her! Celebrity Actors Camp...then Model Club Inc....accepted into ALAP at school...Straight A student....first 2 paid Acting jobs over the summer. To the naked eye, Annika appears to be a busy and successful indvidual. But there is a side of Annika that some people never see...never notice or talk about. But as her Mother, I want others to know this about her. Annika is a beneveolent soul who looks for ways to help others.

The photo above was taken at the Robertson Elementary School Craft Fair on Saturday, October 15th. In her hand you can see that Annika has a piece of paper and a pencil. This is the key to everything I am about to share about Annika. On this day...at this event, Annika humbled me. She took the concepts and habits I have been trying to teach her and she truly expressed the Love and Concern for others that we should ALL be striving for! She found the most unhappy, critical, angry and frustrated person at this event...she reached out to her with empathy and sympathy and then demonstrated by her ACTIONS and deeds...the Right Way. This person saw the error of her ways by the end of the day. She confessed to Annika how, as an adult, this person had behaved with less maturity then Annika had and that she learned by Annika's example, how she ought to have acted all along. I believe that this was the very purpose for which Annika was there that day. I am proud of Annika because she could have turned away from her (I TOLD Annika to turn away from her), but Annika knew that this was the opportunity to turn things around for the benefit of another person and not herself. This is what Kabbalah teaches is our purpose in life...to help others and ourselves overcome our tikun and connect with the light.

Above, the photographs I have included represent two things that I believe are connected. Annika's immediate community is her family, her neighborhood and her school, Robertson Elementary School in Warwick RI. Her career as an Actress, it's success and her pleasure in it, stem from the foundation of these and therefore contributed to the other two pictures. These are her first 2 paychecks for Acting Jobs she did this summer and they arrived in our mailbox at the very hour of Annika's good deeds...at the very hour! I am proud of her. I Love her.

During the Craft Show several other parents who's children are Acting or want to Act, were able to connect with us and we were able to share information. I want to offer them encouragement! I always recommended that they come to our Blog site and read this Blog about Annika's Acting journey because it is more than the "steps" we take to get there that guarantees our arrival. It matters how we live and how we think. Our motivations behind our choices matter...the purity of those motivations matter. Many people will travel this same path that Annika is travelling. Some will arrive at fame and stardom while others will not. Some when they arrive will seek only to serve themselves while others will consistently look to serve for the sake of others and not receive for themselves alone. People from both sides will arrive at their success, but only the ones who pursue it with the Light will be truly blessed.

~namaste~

Annika's First Role!

2011-08-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Annika M. Salgado is now a bonfide actress! She has had two professional (paid) Acting jobs this summer and the prospects are likely for more! Annika's first job was a video shoot for Phillips (tv).She was paid for her recitations in front of a green screen from a script. That job was in Andover MA (an hour and half drive)...she worked 15 minutes and was paid $200.00. Yesterday, Annika played her first role in a commercial for Houghton Mifflin Publishing company out of Boston, Austin Tx and Orlando. Our commercial was shot in the Boston area. The video they produce will be used on websites to offer a link to an educational initiative known in the Teaching community as Common Core.

Annika auditioned at Christine Wyse Casting in Boston. At the time of the audition, Jonathan Stark (the project's director), heard and saw her audition. The rest of the crew reviewed the videos of the audition but Jonathan apparently took a liking to Annika for the role of Jozie. The four piece ensemble would be set at a Breakfast table with dad, daughter Jozie and a baby in a high chair....also a narator. There were phone calls and emails and everything was professional and thorough for us to know where we were going, when to show up and even where to park! We arrived at 10am on Thursday morning and we greeted warmly by the project producer, Matt Tomasselli. The video was shot at his new home. Even I was treated with immense respect for being the bringer of the talented young actress. By the way, children are adored on set! As long as they are well-behaved, professional and actually produce the talent that they are expected to, they are truly doted on by the cast and the wardrobe artists and makeup artists. Even the Props artist was wonderful at personalizing details that really enhanced the individual characters that the kids bring to their roles.

We were ushered in and made comfortable and Annika started her morning in wardrobe with the lovely and skilled Kelly McDermott of Kelly, etc. She had selected clothing for Annika and put her in a green and white striped hoodie that looked completely capricious on her! Later that day, they would allow her to bring it home with her...a special surprise from the set!

After her wardrobe was selected, Kasey was waiting eagerly to begin Annika's look. Kasey skillfuly smoothed and braided Annika's hair into the perfect casual child look! I wish I could keep Kasey forever because I am awful with Annika's hair! When Annika finally emerged (after about 45 minutes) from hair and makeup...she looked incredible! In the interim other Actors had arrived and were also going from wardrobe to makeup. I passed the time getting to know the Crew who were fabulous. We took several breaks as needed and lunch were wonderful sandwiches. Matt had carefully planned out the snacks and they had Dunkin Donuts coffee, Fiber One Bars, Nutrigrain bars, fruit, soda and water. Annika made friends with the baby who played her brother "Ben"...his real name is Cai and his sister is Brook. They are from Dynasty Models of Boston.

Cai

Brook

SO! The most exciting and important period of the day was the time when Annika got to sit in the hot seat and shoot her part of the commercial. I found it really interesting to see how much equipment is used to create this casual breakfast conversation...none of the Actors were actually at the table together while they did their role! When Jozie is talking to her "Dad" she is actually talking to the Director Jonathon who feeds her the last part of his lines that lead into her lines. I stood perched at the dining room door to see her perform and I could not believe how well she did! The first time you really see your child "turn on" for a camera...having heard the direction...having adapted any changes suggested...it is a wonderful moment. I was full of pride. I still am. Annika would go through several takes that would be about an hours' worth of repeating her lines. With each of the Actors, it was about as long...Then their were still shots and perfecting the lighting and sound and movements and props. All the while, Kasey running in and out doing her best to be invisible but touching up faces and hair. What I really noticed was THEIR great talents...those of the crew!

Someone who stood out to me was a lovely woman who played the role of the narator. Her name is Celeste Olivo and she has an intoxicating voice! She impressed everyone with her professionalism and charisma. I am glad to see that Annika is going to be working with people of this caliber. This is what every mother should want for their child...not necessarily to be a working child, but to be a GREAT person! And if acting is what she wants, and we can help her achieve it...then we will! I personally enjoy my new role as her Mom and Manager. I find it easy to learn on the set...and to meet new people and make myself useful but also stay out of the way of things. I don't smother Annika but I do keep an eagle eye for signs of fatigue or dehydration or any other thing. For instance, I noticed that in the first few minutes that Annika was sitting in her chair at the table and the bright lights were upon her and the Props were being fixed and their was general commotion around her...and no one else but a Mother would read this...there was fear. I saw fear in her little face...not an overwhelming fear but just a sudden realization of where she was and how big this could be for her...maybe not this small job but this direction in general. I whispered to Amy (Jonathon's right hand) and she immediately went to check on her and offer some comfort. Whatever she said or did, Annika certainly recovered with excellence!

This was Annika' Spot at the Dining Room Table after we were finished and the crew was cleaning up. The first time Annika saw the Scene Marker and they used it, I knew she was in this for life. I took this picture of it because she really loved it...the Marker.

This one is a shot where the room was still set...Cai is in his high chair. The backpack...LOL...they brought several and this was the one they used. I love Hello Kitty!

Annika on a 5 minute break in the afternoon...it was a long day on set.

Enjoying some time with the Cast and Crew who were so wonderful with the kids! Every scene where Cai or Annika were being shot, there was always a crowd around them watching and smiling and encouraging! HG Wells said that kids and animals upstage everyone...or can sometimes bring down the set if they don't cooperate...but more important that they really win the hearts of all!

Because this video will be for Common Core, they needed great kids to sell it. I am so happy that they chose Annika and I hope that we will be called by them again! Thank you so much to the Cast and Crew:
Jonathan Stark
Nathan Wilson
Matthew Tomasetti
Travis Webb
Sean Gardner
Amy Rindal
Sergio Durante
Chance Navarrette
Tui Stark
Kelly McDermott
Kasey Corbelle
Bill Mootos
Celeste Olivo
Cai and Brook and their Dad Scott

and Also our wonderful Agents at Model Club...especially Andrew who has worked so hard for Annika! We really appreciate you all.

~Namaste~

Annika's FIRST Acting Job!

2011-07-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the day...the day it finally all came together for Annika. A few weeks ago we drove 2 hours to almost New Hampshire for a Casting Call. It was for an Acting Job for Philips and she was required to read lines from a script with a Green Screen behind her. She did an awesome job and today we heard from Annika's Agents at Model Club Inc in Boston that she was selected for the job. The best part of it is that we don't need to do anything else. She will get paid $200 from this job. And so there you have it...she is a professional at last. Now the important next step, is to keep it going and to move forward.

It is wonderful to see that all of her work and interest is paying off. she loves her Agency, her teacher Adrian R'Mante and her other instructors from Celebrity actors Camp like Matthew Timmons, Chester See, Giovanni Samuels, Tanya Chisholm and Phil Lewis. We are doing our best to follow all the wonderful advice from them when they first came into our lives in February 2011.

So my little sweetheart is on a roll!

Keep Moving Forward

2011-07-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

Image from RDP photography of Boston

Today is a great day to write this...a message...more to myself and to Annika then to the world. Someday when my daughter is grown, I want her to review these Blogs and believe. I want her to BELIEVE in miracles...and believe in herself. I hope that she can relive her Acting journey (in the event that she does not continue) and remember what SHE DID. Today she has an audition in Andover MA...a 2 hour drive from our home here in Warwick RI. Being the "thoughts become things"-follower that I am, I am presently fighting off some negativity about today's audition because it is far, and the car we are using is old and in tough shape. We have a 1995 Geo Metro with no AC, no Power anything and it is so loud that I actually have the urge to park a mile away from the building so there would be no chance of anyone seeing or hearing it. I had to juggle the Daycare schedule, convince my Grandmother to Babysit/Cover the daycare...find my husband a ride to work and back home and finally, get the young actress ready. That last part is much harder then it sounds, I will have you know.

So today's audition will be a recorded Script-Reading. The children have been instructed to dress "business casual" as the subject matter relates to medical/medical supply/professions in medicine...with the premise of adult words being spoken by kids. She needs to bring her handheld Nintendo DSI as a prop. So here I am at 7am, already trying to figure out how I will have her looking like a star while managing my morning workload and getting her and I out the door on time. I also need to consider the afternoon pickups (parents) and my grandmother and who will relieve her from her duties and what will my son eat for dinner and what will Annika eat for dinner...it is a 2 hour drive back in Rush Hour Traffic. So basically I am already praying for it to be Friday! Ok, there...no stress. I am picturing it Friday now. We are all playing and having fun...uh-oh...more thoughts...of people I need to call and follow-up with. I have to call the Baker for the cake-testing and I need to straighten Annika's hair. I need to water the garden...breathe. Breathe Deep. A long drive could prove to be a good time to meditate.

I wish Annika could be safe travelling in the front seat with me, but she cannot and as it is, I really must keep the windows down in this 80 degree weather or else we will both melt...and once the windows are down, I cannot easily put them up...like on the highway...because they are manual, not power windows....UGH. And with the windows down on the highway, I cannot hear her when she tries to talk to me. Ok, I am ok. We just want this first job...to show us it can happen. I know it can...I believe it can or I would not be doing this. Annika could be excellent at this. She has the perfect disposition and energy for this type of work. she is photogenic, beautiful, charismatic, charming and most importantly...DRAMATIC!

So wish us luck- more ME then her.

~Namaste

Best~Day~Ever part 2 of 3

2011-05-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2011

Traditionally on Memorial day, we visit the cemetary. We have also spent this day marching in parades in honor of my brother John...Annika's Uncle Buddy. But this year, we did things a little differently. It was the path less-travelled and it made all the difference.

David and I took Annika and her brother Lex who is 3 out to Glen NH to StoryLand. It is a 4 hour drive from where we live in Warwick RI which we drove from 2:30 to about 6:30 pm on Sunday night. We stayed overnight and visited the park on its opening weekend! Family bonding time never goes out of style, no matter how old you are. Our 4-piece ensemble certainly loves times like these together. We spent the whole day laughing and exploring the park together. Annika is getting older and so her tastes have changed. She has never been much of a thrill-ride kid. She prefers the water rides. Annika really LOVED the Hanneford Circus. There is a young performer there named Ariana Alvarez who does a hula hoop act and also performs with her brother and parents. She is wonderful and Annika is a huge fan! As a family we really enjoy their show.

Annika always looks glamorous. She is so charming to everyone she meets! And she is an exceptionally loving sister to her sometimes pushy little brother. She spoils him and gives him anything he asks for! We were all surprised when we measured her height and it turned out that she is old enough to ride without supervision! GASP! Fortunately she blatantly refuses to ride alone...it is not her style. What is her style were some sunglasses we bought her there at the park. That and her beach towel which she traipsed about in all afternoon.

Annika was very conscienscious about what she ate, even while on vacation. I love how at 9 years old she will calculate what she has eaten and how it balances out. For example, in this picture above when we stopped for lunch, Annika ate a grilled cheese sandwich. Later in the car, after an ice cream, she announced that she needed only an apple for dinner to balance out the more carb-rich and fattening foods from earlier that day. She is so organized!

These were Annika's favorite views from the road on our drive home. On our first trip to New Hampshire last summer we stopped to feel the cool water of a small waterfall along the highway. On this trip, as we were driving, I had my camera pointed along the landscape and remembering I had seen a waterfall along the drive up, but had not pointed it out quickly enough to her, I was on the lookout. I snapped a picture and told Annika to look. She was so excited when she saw it as we were passing. It would have been nice if we could have spared just a bit more time to explore it, but we can do that next time. Clearly, Annika is a fan of water!

What to do in your Downtime

2011-05-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

An Actress or Model is a busy person. This is my understanding of it. Annika will often spark up conversations with me as though we are currently engaged in a big project with her career. It is this positive way of seeing herself that I adore so much about her. She is Sheer Confidence from head to toe. She may have momentary doubts... but put a Movie Director and a bullhorn in front of her and you will see her light up like a Christmas Tree. She is ready for this. Annika is ready for opportunities to work as a Model or as an Actress. She is ready to be on stage or in front of a camera. With so much to do in the field, I personally am delighted at the contacts we have had and the relationships they have given us. Our friends in the field, Adrian R'Mante, Chester See, and her Agents at Model Club are some of our best resources to achieving her goals. But enough is never enough when you have a burning passion to be something...to be someone. So that begs the question of how do you keep yourself in forward motion when things appear to be stagnant? They do get stagnant often, but that does not mean nothing is happening. Right now, somewhere, someone could be talking about Annika and considering her future.

Annika has many interests, like most children. She has never been particularly interested in organized sports. She seems to prefer the type of physical games and activities that children commonly engage in in small groups. Annika loves to climb Rock Walls, Ride her bike and scooter and just run around. She is not usually up for a thrill experience but she certainly puts herself into some precarious situations at times. More often, Annika's interests will lead her toward outside play, imaginary play or Music. She loves to play "detective" and "Interviewer" or "teacher". I think it is exactly this fascination with role-play that shows us her passion for acting. Whether it has been learned from her or not, Annika's little brother Lex possesses the same qualities for acting. Watching the two of them together is a blast for me and for their Dad. Annika also has a unique gift for writing, coupled with depth and maturity while on this task. Ever since the first time she wrote a message in a birthday card for a friend, I have found myself continually amazed by her skills and comprehension...her comic timing and her style. I am definitely Annika's Biggest Fan...or at least I hope I have proven to her that I am by writing this Blog for her!

During periods when Annika's Audition schedule is slow, she has been filling her time by focusing harder on schoolwork, earning her a spot in the 2011/2012 ALAP program. This program allows Elementary School kids the opportunity to participate in Special Learning Sessions based on their distinctive level of Proficiency in their current grade levels. Annika is very proud to have achieved this since last year she was not accepted into the program...a rejection which hindsight shows me created a more determined child in her! My daughter likes to know WHY and WHY NOT. She is never satisfied to only see what is on the surface of a thing and I find this challenging at times. But I am glad she is this way because I want her to be strong, capable and Independent. Aside from the Gifted-Student program, Annika is taking Improvisation courses at a local Theatre School from an Actor names Rich Morra. She is getting practice and refreshing ideas so that she keeps thim in the forefront of her mind. We are so fortunate that this course came around. It is doing wonders for her!

In case I have not mentioned it, I love being on this journey with Annika. She is my Dream Come True. She is strong where I am weak and I love her. She has the heart of a lion and she is a fighter. Many people fail to see this about her because she sometimes comes across as a defeated person, but this is very much only skin deep. She is relentless and refuses to give up. I have never ever once seen her quit a thing, and I suspect I may never ever see it. I will be glad if that is the case. Like I said, she is everything I am not and a quitter? HUH! She could never be that. Annika recently purchased her first Book of Monologues and has been working on memorizing some of them. She has a remarkable ability to remember lines she hears and re-enact them...like movie lines and TV lines. Her comic timing in this way has me laughing most of the time and when she puts things in writing she still carries that same ability to totally crack me up. Last night she wrote the most incredible letter to the tooth fairy. In a later Blog, I will transcribe this letter. She just refuses to take no for an answer. When Annika decides...it is the word.

Annika and her friends are together everyday here at our home where we have a HomeBased ChildCare. She has some very deep friendships...people she is really close to. They love each other deeply and this is something I am really happy that my child has. She knows who her REAL friends are and they are growing up together. Her friends, Nicolas and David and her have formed a Musical Group called "OceanSide", where Annika is a drummer. Annika has ALWAYS wanted to be a drummer since she was very young. We gave her guitar lessons for 6 months but this was never what she really wanted to play. So now she just improvises as a drummer. In time, I will encourage her to consider being a drummer in the school band, but for right now I am content to let her learn as she goes along. I laugh because as a kid, I also wanted to be a drummer. My parents said no because of the cost of drum equipment and so I went on to become a classically trained FrenchHorn player. I played through College. I will let Annika have her dream...and let her play the drums. It wil certainly be an adventure. So this is what we do during the downtime between auditions...this and so much more.

How to face rejection cheerfully

2011-05-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

It is a fact of life in the world of Acting, Modeling and Theatre. There will be many "no's". There will be many yeses too. Unfortunately, long periods of rejection can become tiresome and create a weary soul. My daughter Annika is 9 years old, and has only been "Performing" since February 2011. Because of her lack of experience and newness to this, it can be difficult to not get the role on any given tryout. She has had several great experiences and I keep reminding her that this is good. I help her to gain and maintain perspective. This task requires repetition but is what I must do as her parent and her manager. I check-in with her regularly to gauge if she is handling things properly mentally. Her mental wellness is absolutely imperative to the condition of her success, and I know this very well! Therefore, I must re-fuel her mentally from time to time and always know how she feels and what she is thinking. When necessary, we must recharge those batteries.

As in all areas of life, Annika is aware that she must tune into the Law of Attraction and remember to use it for her and not against her. She is very wise and capable of manifesting things. She has done it in other areas of her life. It is not surprising to me that it would be a bit more challenging to manifest in this area of her life because regardless of her natural confidence, she has some insecurities that she must overcome. Her method for doing this, and what we work on together each night is to allow positive thoughts to be her guide to sleep. There is no TV until you fall asleep for her...instead after a tuck-in, I ask her a series of questions about her dreams and desires. When needed, I remind her to visualize her specific desires and see herself in the vision. From where she sleeps, Annika has a clear view of her Vision Board. The Vision Board is also there for the purpose of reminding and a tool to use as she gives thanks each night. Having faith in The Law of Attraction and the power of Positive Thinking, is perhaps the most essential lesson I have ever taught my child or ever will.

I recently wrote on my personal Blog about the power in counting our blessings. It is a great way to change a negative feeling or mood and prevent a negativity spiral from starting. I call it a negativity spiral when one negative thought or feeling takes hold and seems to never let go. It cannot stop without effort, and this is something that a lot of people either do not know or do not practice. I tell Annika all the time to be positive and to avoid negative people and negative words. She is very sensitive to the influence of music and the lyrics. If songs talk about death, dying, losing or being a loser or hatred of any sort, she will not listen to those songs. While I myself have no problem singing along, Annika prefers not to draw things to her that she feels the lyrics may do. I love that she is so sensitive to these types of influences. She reminds me!

The reverse of avoiding negative is that you must turn the thought around completely and find your happy thought. I call this counting your blessings. Annika works hard at this and she does very well. One thing we have been focusing on this month is just realizing where she came from and how she came to this journey in the first place. In early February we were nowhere near this Direction...and in a very short period of time, we had found ourselves on this Path and have been enjoying it ever since. I remind Annika all the time that there were children who were not selected to be in Celebrity Actors Camp. She was. I remind her that even though we could only afford the first of 4 levels of training, some children who were in level 4 were not picked-up by an Agent. I remind her that her distinct Talents have created these opportunities for her and that no one else has the exact same gifts as her. We are all completely unique.

Annika is thankful to Model Club Inc for sending her on auditions in Boston. We are more than delighted for having made friends and met many amazing professionals in the Industry who we will work with on future projects. It is wonderful to have these experiences and more. I feel thankful to be a part of it all. My path was taking me in a different direction and for the time being is primarily focused on her. But life is too good to be sad! And so we live to tryout another day, and that is all we can do. We wish our readers all the best on their endeavors. Remember where you have come from and how each step you take brings you a bit closer to your dream. Count those blessings and most importantly- Never EVER give up!
~namaste~

What did we learn this week?

2011-04-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Annika and I are on a learning adventure and a journey together with her Acting and Modeling Career. So far, as our regular readers know, we have had an eventful year. Tomorrow is May 1st and so today I am feeling pensive about where we have come from over the last 4 months since 2011 started. We were introduced to Celebrity Actors Camp the 2nd week of February 2011. The month of January 2011 had been virtually uneventful with the exception of weather problems and my weekend job at AAA. But in terms of waiting for a break in the routine, January was not it. So we made major changes that affected us financially in February and March. There was a small payoff for our sacrfice when Annika was Chosen for representation with Model Club Inc. Being represented has opened new doors. We are very proud of Annika.

So now, on the brink of May, I am considering where we have been and what has changed over the course of April. It has been quite a ride. The first week of April Annika went for an Audition and also had her photos re-shot to create a Modelling CompCard. It came out great. Here is the shot:

The actual Photo Shoot, with our photographer, RDP Photography of Boston, had a major impact on our turn of events. As my daughter's Manager, I have many roles to play and hats to wear. I juggle and balance the responsibilities of my own Home Business(es) and the scheduling and needs of my daughter's Acting/Modeling Career. So meeting this professional photographer was one new way to create our professional community..the one that surrounds Annika's World. I was pleased to see that Andrew from Model Club became a fan on Annika's Facebook Page. As April progressed there were personal situations that arose to complicate my progress, but nothing hindered Annika. In Mid April, Annika and her friend, Gregory Sundstrom began an Improv Class together on Tuesday nights at the Artists Exchange in Cranston. Their instructor is Rich Morra. Each week, Annika and Gregory go with his Mom because I am busy with the daycare. It seems beneficial to have this light practice each week to keep her sharp. From what Gregory's Mother Linda tells me, Annika is a fierce Actor who gets right into character.

Now that I have started seeing Annika from the eyes of a Mother and through the eyes of a camera lens, I see her potential in this field of work. We had relatives from Pennsylvania in town over Easter weekend and she is a great photographer too. She captured a few wonderful images of Annika. I am going to include them here:

Photos Courtesy of Amanda VanGyzen

On May 1st, 2011 (tomorrow), Annika will assist me in my first Event Created and Produced in collaboration with my close friend Melissa Randall. I have invited Annika and her Auntie Beth to be models and find ways to assist and support the Sales Environment. I know Annika can do this, in fact, she can do more. Last September during a fundraising event for my Brother's Scholarship Fund, She created signs and set herself up at a small table to "read people's Moods" using a mood ring she purchased at the dollar store. At first it was cute...my grandmother said she should ask for money so we made her a sign offerring the service for 25 cents. People came and gave her a dollar each time. 3 people even came back and told me that her readings about them were accurate. When we got home to count her money, she had earned $25!

This just goes to show how ingenuity and confidence will produce the best results. Annika believes in herself. She does not struggle with much self-doubt. She is also kind. She wishes to use the fame and fortune she may earn to support community programs and even the government. She wants to use her money to make others' lives better...and so she will!

~OceanSide~

2011-04-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Their First-Ever Picture (Photo) as a Band..Nicolas, David and Annika

I Love having the kind of lifestyle that allows me to be front and center when things happen in my kids' lives. I also feel privileged to have the insider scoop on their friendships. Annika won't like hearing this but me being that close gives me the opportunity to direct her and redirect her frequently. Annika has many admirable qualities but has difficulty with her relationships at times. I guess we all do. ANYWAY, Annika is SO VERY lucky and fortunate because she has an amazing circle of friends! Two of her Closest and Dearest friends who are in her life on a regular basis are here with her in this picture. She could not have picked better friends and I could not have found better ones for her. I adore these kids.

So as some of our regular readers know already, the children have been preparing for their YGA Talent Show. David is a trained Pianist and he is very good, so for one of his Acts, he will be performing. David arrived Wednesday with a keyboard that he will be using for the show and during practice with the other kids, it did not take them long to spark the idea of this band. I was completely unsurprised because for as long as I have known them, Nicolas has always wanted to play guitar, Annika wants to be a drummer and clearly David plays piano. As we would soon discover, all three of the kids have written songs and wanted to perform them together. They really worked together well and fast! before the end of the afternoon Wednesday they had formed the band and learned one song!

Today (Thursday), the kids wrote and worked on an other song! Their songs are good too! It's wild...they are really good! There will be some obstacles I can see right off the bat- Annika has no drumset and David does not usually have a portable keyboard, so we will need to find a way to make this work, but they are very determined so I know a way will be found!

OceanSide, with their one song that is ready to go, will open up the show tomorrow at 2:30. Admission is free and there will be refreshments. We just hope the wind subsides because today's rehearsal was very gusty!

2nd Annual YGA Talent Show

2011-04-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it is April Vacation Week 2011! The daycare at our house is busier then ever with the school-aged kids all being home full days and the 3 toddlers there too. SO, in order to keep us all busy and productive, we created the "Talent Show" during last year's school break. It was so much fun that we decided to produce it again this year too! Last year, there was no theme but we had a lot of variety in the show. There was a hulahoop act, a skateboard act, a bike act, several songs and dances and a comedy sketch. I observed that last year Annika seemed a little out of her element. I was trying to guide her into singing or dancing and she really did not like any of the suggestions. However, the one she came up with on her own was surprisingly good...if not a tiny bit repetitious. She performed with her friend Fabiola, the sketch from the Disney Channel Show, Sonny with a Chance, called "The Check it out Girls". Here is a link to the show from utube:

I don't have a video of our performance....I know, BAD PLANNING! And guess what's worse? I don't have a video camera for the Year's Show either. I am working on the problem, I promise! anyway, this video was our basic guide for the sketch which went over very well. During the summer, the kids and I spent a lot of time at the ocean but when we would come home for some "quiet time", we would do creative writing in journals. This was an idea given to me by Mrs. Green, the 3rd grade teacher at Robertson elementary who would end up being Annika's teacher this year. We Love her! Anyway, some really great creativity evolved as summer was ending. Our friend, David Yabut developed this interesting story concept with characters based on each of the children in the daycare...more specifically he gave them each "spirit names" and then all the kids created there own individual fictional story based on the characters. The idea was inspiring and carried us through the fall and into the winter writing about it.

When Annika informed us of her desire to be an actor in February 2011, I was a little surprised. She said she had been wanting to do it for a long time. Now in reflection I can see the signs...as I described above, we were all acting, performing, writing and being creative. It makes sense that the kids would find a love of acting. Then I discovered 20 or so video clips on an old flip camera that Annika had taken of herself putting on a one-person show. There was easily an hour of short clips taken at different times. Anyway, moving forward I realized how I often look at the children as kids who need to be governed instead of young people with their own likes, abilities and passions. Now that I have a deeper awareness of their needs and have changed my short-sighted ways, I see a world of possibilities around them. I am so proud to be a part of that! I love helping them to prepare for this talent show. Our line-up this year will be great.

Annika has also started a 6 week course at Artist Exchange with her good friend, Gregory Sundstrom. The class is Improv for ages 7 to 9. Annika thoroughly enjoyed her first class this past Tuesday with Teacher, Rich Morra. We have definitely found a passion for her. We may even have discovered Gregory's. If I am not mistaken, we have found a unique gift for each of the kids. David Yabut is an excellent writer and Nicolas has great instincts for set design and Directing Actors. Annika is brilliant at delivering a performance...She learns her lines quickly and gets into character instantly. She is also easy to direct. David delivers a great comic sense and the three of them blend beautifully. Our friends are in for a real treat in this show!

So to conclude, All are welcome to attend the Talent Show. Admission is free. Inbox me on Facebook and we would be glad to invite you! It's just one way to keep our Acting "chops" fresh.

Annika's Favorite Things

2011-04-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Annika has a deliberate style. Although we gladly accept handed down clothes of every style, Annika has her special way of combining clothes and accessories that defines a girl on the go. She loves to wear clothing that is comfortable and especially loose around the belly and not constricting. This is mainly owing to her love of physical activity and so she does not want to sacrifice her fashion sense while playing in the playground. Since she was a very young child of 2 or 3, she has refused to wear jeans! I know that one day she will find a pair she loves but for now, they are not her style.

Here is Annika at age 6 and in Kindergarten.

Around our home we have plenty of fashion and style exposure. There is so much variety and color and spice and fragrance to influence Annika in her decisions about clothes. Living in RI we have excellent exposure to finer things as well as simple things. Our home is near a Cove and we spend a lot of time in the sand and the ocean nearby each summer. In the winter we experience snowy blizzardy weather changes. A New England girl has to have a variety of clothes for each season. It can be difficult to keep up because the seasons do change so quickly here.

Annika at age 5

Annika has a love of soft fabrics in feminine designs, colors and shapes. She dislikes oversized tops or overly loose leggings or pants. She loved this sweater dress seen above and paired it with cotton tights with a complimentary design and wore them with wedge-heeled boots. Topping them off, Annika loved her fleece hat,scarf and gloves...a matching set and a gift from her friend Darien.

the way she dresses also reflects her inner personality...creative but sometimes disheveled. That can be a lovely phase of life. I know I miss it...this photo is from 2009 and Annika was 8yrs old. She very much dislikes her hair, often it is wild and difficult to control.. Her hair is a lot like her...but I digress. She prefers her hair smoothed back into elastics.

Here is Annika on her 8th birthday at Magic Kingdom in Orlando Florida. She insisted on wearing these red shoes! A child in her age range will always want shoes that sparkle or are otherwise connected to Pop Culture (Wizard of Oz). Matching is irrelevant to her...colors, patterns...laughable! But somehow Annika makes everything beautiful! During summer when it comes to clothing for the warm weather, she is extra particular. I once bought her several sport tops and boyshort bottoms for swimming and also a bikini bottom. She was thoroughly horrified...much too feminine for the sportswear and too modest for the bikini! Annika prefers a sensible but ladylike one-piece.

Miniskirts are not her style unless they come paired with leggings. she has distinct taste, that girl. below is a montage of her latest looks which have been ever improving over the past few months with her strong wish to be an actor and model.

Matthew Mitchel Photography , 2011

RDP photography 2011

Annika at the Westin Hotel in Prov during CAC....2011

and of course, every outfit comes with a SMILE....