October4
I won’t get into it here, but I’ve had a difficult year to say the least. But, I truly believe that things happen for a reason… and so, I keep on. I am forever the eternal optimist and an undying hopeless romantic. I won’t apologize for that! But, people often mistake my kindness for weakness. I’ve been told many times that being too “nice” is my downfall. I’m far from naive though, and I’ve always prided myself on being a good judge of character. But lately, I’ve been second guessing myself, saying things like “what’s the point?” and “trust no one!”. It’s sad to say, but I was losing faith in the goodness of people… in humanity.
Or maybe, I just needed a really good vacation? So when my awesome older sister Diane, who has always taught me to manifest my own destiny, called me to say that she won us a trip to Los Angeles, to be on the red carpet and see the Season 3 premiere of our favorite tv show, The Walking Dead, I couldn’t be happier! A simple twitter contest run by uber producer and self proclaimed nerd, Gale Anne Hurd, who is responsible for films such as, TERMINATOR, T2, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE PUNISHER, ARMAGEDDON & ALIENS, just to name a few, is all it took to get us there… She also has a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. You should all follow her on twitter @GunnerGale. 🙂
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Most people don’t know that I also consider myself a nerd and that I have a love for the paranormal and science fiction. I’ve had to fight my entire life to be taken seriously and prove myself as to not be judged on my looks alone. I don’t mean that in a conceited way… it’s just for the sheer fact that I’m tiny and I look young. Lets face it… I’m adorable! |
Now, I know I am NY cool… but this is California, & kind of a big deal. I know, I know, you would think that since I have been on red carpets and behind the scenes before in a professional capacity in |
the past, that “contest winner” might sound almost cringe worthy to me, ummm hello? I’m Toni! Oh, wait… nobody cares, but the fact remains, I was honored to be the guest of such a smart, powerful, not to mention, kind, beautiful and well respected woman of Gale’s caliber. But… would I fit in here? Would I be pretty enough, thin enough, smart enough? |
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The answer… Yes! True, I had to starve myself all week just to fit into my dress, lost a few teeth along the way, but finally I’m popular! 🙂
The truth is, I didn’t know what to expect, LA has reputation of being phoney and plastic according to all the reality TV I watch, but everyone here has been extremely nice to us and the attention we got was shocking. This is Hollywood? Wow, I was surprised that it was here I would find the most genuine and sincere people of all. Makes me wonder if being so quick to pass on that job opportunity, back in 2006 was the wrong decision? What would my life be like now if I had taken a chance? Hmmm I guess we’ll never know… *Flash to a dream sequence*
I can’t wait to take this town by storm! First, I’ll sit outside Schwab’s Pharmacy and get discovered, just like Lana Turner did, then, I’ll run into Thee William Holden and next I’ll go buy myself a brand new Don Loper original! I wonder if my zany hi-jinx will get a write up in the newspaper from Hedda Hopper? *End Scene* What? You don’t know what I’m talking about, do you? Did I mention that everything I know about Hollywood, I learned from watching “I love Lucy” reruns? Ahhh never mind… |
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As you can see, we got to meet a lot of the cast of the show… Featured above is Norman Reedus aka crossbow wielding, motorcycle riding, Daryl Dixon, then Andrew Lincoln and Sarah Wayne Callies better known as the leader of the pack and his wife, Rick and Lori Grimes. Below is Steven Yeun aka the ever dependable Glenn and next to that a photo of the entire cast together. |
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I write this blog as a creative outlet, to express my art and speak my truth. I try my best to give the reader an experience of seeing things through my eyes… So whenever I can, I capture moments on video as well. So enjoy this short clip I’ve compiled of my red carpet perspective and us meeting Norman Reedus in person for the first time. In my opinion, I look a little silly, and I could’ve easily edited some stuff out… but hey, I’m a free spirit and it’s all a part of my charm. And let’s face it… I’m adorable! |
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Once inside the theater we quickly found our seats… in which I happened to be seated next to Dave Navarro! I can’t make this stuff up… these Rock stars are too much. Constantly stalking me… even in LA! Oh, what’s that? You’re a fan of The Walking dead too, likely story, Dave Navarro. Truth is, some guy without a clue as to who he was, was just arguing with him that he was in the wrong seat. He actually seemed pretty annoyed, but was still sweet enough to let me snap this photo of us just before the show began. Thanks Dave. 😉 |
Later, after the amazing, heart pounding, screening was over, it was on to the after party, which was held in the Universal Studios theme park itself. We were there as Gale’s guests and spent a good part of the evening with her and her family and friends and treated as such. While there, we also had the pleasure of getting scared to death in the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Walking Dead Maze! |
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Later, we mingled and chatted and made some new friends with more wonderful people from the cast and creators such as writer Glen Mazzara, 2 time Emmy award winner, for special effects, Greg Nicotero and sound expert Jerry Ross. |
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And on to me wrapping a few zombies around my little finger… Who could blame them, right??
Whether living or undead, my “c’mon baby, I’m a lover not a fighter” line, gets em every time! |
If The Walking Dead has taught us anything it’s that life is short… and then you die. Then, depending on how you die or if you’re infected you may come back as a zombie. Oh wait, that last part is just on TV, but you see my point. And just like Maggie says to Hershel in the mid season finale of season 2, when she was trying to convince him to let Rick and the others stay on the farm, the message is simple, “Love one another” because in the end, that is all that really matters. |
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So here we are, we’ve come full circle and back to Norman Reedus and a full on Zombie apocalypse. What I learned was that the most powerful, richest, & famous people out of them all turned out to be the most kind, gracious, unassuming and downright sweet people you could ever hope to meet. That these people got it right when it comes to the saying ‘Conceit is self-given. Be careful. Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful.’ So I’ve decided not to let myself become cynical and that I shouldn’t ever feel bad about being too “nice”. Not to worry, I’m in good hands now, my faith in humanity… restored. 🙂 |
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And if you’re not watching The Walking Dead yet, you’re an idiot, I suggest you start now! Until next time. xoxo Toni
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You’ve captured into words exactly how I feel about this trip. We had a wonderful time and a huge life lesson. Yes, we were in good hands! Thanks again to Gale Ann Hurd @gunnergale for making it possible! Awesome blog Toni aka Lucy!!! Love ya, Diane aka Ethel
Our Zany Hi-jinx will go down in history Ethel! Luv you. 🙂
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