There's No Business Like Show Business Like No Business I Know

I'm a lucky guy. 

I work in show biz!!!!

"There's no business like no business like show business like no business I know.
Everything about it is appealing!
Everything about it is a show!"

I spent my day today putting together scenery, assembling props, and generally being useful at 30 Rock for NBC, primarily for Saturday Night Live.  I watched Kelly Clarkson soundcheck her spot on SNL ---- and I got paid for it. 

I often think about how hard I've worked to get here.  You know, it's been worth it and I would do it again in a minute.  I have no regrets.

But I know what prices I've paid...

I work when there's work, as many hours as I'm called to do.  

I go through periods of unemployment, simply because that is the nature of the business.  Feast or famine.

But I get to be involved in the world I dreamed about when I was a kid.  And I like it that way.

Sure, I do other things --- but all of them are in the business of show.. 

I direct (whenever I can), I act (rarely) and I write (more and more).  I teach (acting)

I also exercise daily ---- which I love intensely. 

But ONLY when I am working in show business do I feel that I am useful --- and it's been that way since I was 13, from the day I decided I would get involved with this world of work I love so much..

If you feel the way I do, you will find your way into the artform.  I guarantee  it.  Your life might not look like the one you fantasized about when you were a kid but you will find your way.  (Lord knows, mine is nothing like what I intended --- but it's a good life and I am proud of having come as far as I have).

Part of why I enjoy my life now is that I worked very hard when I was younger to prepare myself for this time of my life.  I know how to do the things I wanted to do; act, direct, teach.  Granted, everything is an evolving process ---- but I put in the hours, days, weeks, years to earn my place at the table.

MY MOM IS READING MY BLOG

The other night, my Mom and I were chatting on the phone. We talked of many things (there's a lot going on right now) and then, just parenthetically, she said "oh yes, and I'm reading your blog".

I felt like I'd been caught with my pants down.

My MOM was reading my blog. Not some complete stranger in Timbuktu but my MOTHER, who birthed me, who probably knows most of this stuff anyway, if not consciously then just below the surface of cognition. It's really silly if you think about it. I am more concerned about my mother reading these basically inane, self-involved ramblings than complete strangers who I have no connection to at all.

I started to think about this a bit further. WHY was I so caught out? The more I thought, the less of an answer I have. I am fairly private about matters that effect others in my life so it's not as if I'm telling tales out of school about my family all over the internet.

I guess I'm just surprised, that's all ---- not that that emotion makes any sense either; my mother is a bright, inquisitive woman whose interests range widely. And because I'm her son, she follows my meandering on the internet fairly closely.

This blog is really just a shout out to my Mom, my biggest fan. I love you Mom, read away.