Last November I attended a Book Launch of a friend of mine, Judi Young , had organised at the Coffee Club, Paddington (Qld) for the public recognition of having written her book, and despite the fact that Judi had a couple of Publishers willing to take on all that effort of getting the book out there,  Judi decided to self-publish.

I never thought that self- publishing was such a big a mine-field as  much as making anything for the screen or setting up a theatre company ( It must be easier to work for the Government ?)  Passion, commitment and natural talent are the ingredients required to give one a  life start – in anything.

At a very young age Judi was determined to be a ballet dancer – with dire consequences to her health and her family relationships.  Judi has found she has natural skills in public speaking and radio interviewing – she tried acting – and has the courage to say she is not really an actor!

Courage, self -honesty and a sense of fun , combined with hard work , helped Judi to rid herself of her tumour the size of …well …see the photo at the end of her book.  As a  tv junkie Judi quotes Oprah and Dr Phil  as being effective in her successful recovery …the inspiration they give….and hopes that in some way her book will help others to fight hard for their own health and happiness.

By late last December, the Acting Schools had graduated their latest bunch into the ever- overcrowding, underpaid, non-paid,  Entertainment Industry :  but once each person realises their potential might not be hitting Hollywood Heights and that they can teach by working  as mentors for disabled people, scriptwriters, documentary filmmakers, devising their own work etc etc, they will realise that their very special education has been worthwhile.

Those who have been accepted into the various Acting Schools for 2011 will be faced with the task of  upholding their dreams despite rejection, self-doubt , and everybody else – for starters.  All the very best for the New Year and beyond.

In the meantime  -Casting-wise it would be good if Cameron Diaz or Reese Witherspoon were interested in the screen version of “The Girl In the Picture” but then any suggestions for a New Zealand or Australian actor to be considered?

I first met Don after I had been summoned to Bruce Gyngell’s office at Ch9 in Willoughby.  I had been working as a production Assistant for Bob Raymond on the early morning  “The Today Show” with Diana Ward fronting in Sydney and Mike Walsh in Melbourne – and it just received its marching orders.

Bruce Gyngell quietly asked me if I would like to work on “The Don Lane Show” and of course I was thrilled – work on a live top rating programme – yes please! He then mentioned that Don tended to lose his temper and and swear at his staff, and could I cope with that?  Could I cope?! I had arrived in Sydney in 1968 as a “ten- pound- pom”,  married an Aussie, so this was no time to turn down work.

I have just received my first real rejection …yes…on my arrival in Bali. I asked Deborah Gabinetti, casting  person from the Bali Film Center,  if I could be an “Extra” on the Julia Roberts’ film “Eat, Pray, Love” being filmed somewhere nearby – either Padangbai or Ubud.  Deb expressed surprise..

”Why, you know what film sets are like!”

“Yes” I said lamely “ but I’m in another country” even more lamely.

The Xmas season here in Ubud, Bali – stifling hot one minute, pouring with rain the next was stress –free, no shopping or cooking! The Hindus do not utilize our Holidays- Xmas Day was like any other -and yet several shook hands with me to wish me a Happy Xmas.

This time of year traditionally makes us all the more intensely aware of people who are in poverty, have no choice of where they live, what they eat, and what their survival occupation is. To me poverty is lacking fresh water, sanitation, some form of shelter and food every day, and the choice to get a job or move to another country.