Self Perception.. When Dancing

What I think I must look like while I dance...



What others think I look like while I dance...

Sci-Fi Good Read: The Giver

This is not a sci-fi book laden with technological advances 300 years in the future. Rather it's a book about society far in the future where the world is "perfect." Everything under control. No war, fear, or pain. No choices. Everyone has a role in the community. The book does have a few science fiction twists that are good. Interesting enough in my estimation to keep those that enjoy a bit of technological fantasy interested. (Though if you are seeking a book about robots and space ships, read a Star Trek novel.)

What strikes me while reading are the lush description of colors and tactile experiences.  

The warmth spread, extending across his shoulders, up his neck, onto the side of his face. He could feel it through his clothed parts too: a pleasant, all-over sensation; and when he licked his lips this time, the air was hot and heavy... it was not as exciting as the ride through the snowy air; but it was pleasurable and comforting. Suddenly he perceived the word for it: sunshine.

The back sleeve of the book synopsis: "When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out [in the community] to receive training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and  pleasure of life. When it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back." 

There are two points in the book when my heart catches in my throat, and I choke back a bit of tears. 

Happy reading.

Human to Sci-Fi Alien: Getting My Head Cast in Plaster

Working on a Sci-fi themed shoot in North Carolina. Not far from where they filmed The Hunger Games. I am being outfitted as a galactic Alien creature for it. Complete with green skin & an ultra green space suit. Which is made to fit my wiry frame like a glove without resorting to spandex. The alien head and hands are all being done without the use of computer generated graphics. Very old-school film style. 

The special effect make-up artist, Crist Ballas, has been in the business for years turning regular looking people into bizarrely cool creatures. So I know I am in good hands as he applies the plaster on my hands, shoulders and face to make the molds, which he then uses to create the prosthetics that I will wear later on-set filming.

A Half Hairy Chest

Before Crist begins applying the gooey plaster to my head and shoulders, we first have to shave the upper portion of my chest. This is because the hair would get pulled out from the plaster once it dried. Painful! So it's shaved off. Which is painless.

Though I do look funny as the shave is in a perfect horizontal line just above my nipples. Which would only be a big deal if I was playing the role of a life guard or something. And yes, I could have shaved it all off. But the thought of how scratchy it gets when growing back makes me opt to rock the half-hair chest look for the few weeks it takes to grow back.

Sort of a Cross Between a Deprivation Tank & a Spa Facial

Crist described it very well when we were getting ready to apply the plaster, "It's sort of a cross between a deprivation tank and a spa facial." Which is accurate. It becomes very dark when the plaster goes over my eyelids. Sound becomes muffled when plaster's smeared across my ears. (Like hearing under water.) The thick plaster feels much like warm mud as it glops from the very top of my head down my neck and chest. The plaster even is scented with mint. Very spa-like.

Hand Signals

I signal with my hand to communicate during the 30 minutes it takes the plaster to set and harden enough to remove. Throughout it all Crist asks again and again if I am alright and I give him a thumbs-up each time. (Or a thumbs down if I ever wasn't. But thankfully nothing goes wrong.)

Then the plaster encasing me is cut off and I open my eyes. My skin feels amazing. Clean. Like I had just had a minty facial. It isn't until a few weeks later that I get to see the actual plaster bust of my head that you see in the side-by-side photo above. It's surreal looking at your face that way. So unlike looking in a mirror. 

Sneak Peek 

Here's a sneak peek at what the alien looks like on set.

This prosthetic head actually isn't exactly what Crist envisioned, as in transport the original alien head designed was smashed by the airline. So this was hand made in a matter of hours by Crist. But that's a whole other story...

Anyone else have a cool experience with costumes? Or had to shave your chest? Tell me in a comment, love to hear about it.

In the Drear of February I Wish You Daffodils

Oh how I do enjoy opening up that mail box, reaching inside, and tearing into a non-digital letter from a friend. The thought behind it, the time it took to sit and write it with ink, and of course seeing the person's unique handwriting. It all makes me smile.

Anyone get a letter that they'll always remember?