I had mentioned previously that I was going to have a seminar (via The Network) and thusly that happened. It was with a woman named Jandiz Estrada. She's a casting director for movies (had done casting for 27 Dresses, Confessions of a Shopaholic...etc). I have to admit I was a little nervous since this was my first go around with anything to do with The Network and I wasn't really sure what to expect so I kind of just sat there and took it all in. She told us a bit about herself and did a survey around the room to see who's where in their careers and what not and then next thing you know we're waiting for our turn to go in and read our sides. So my time finally approached and I walked in...just me, Jandiz and our reader. I said my hellos and told the reader what side I was doing. Jandiz said to me, "You‘re the first one all night who has come in and let her know what side you are doing." I felt really good about that and maybe that helped me stand out a bit more....who knows. I have to admit that I did something very....juvinal and inexperienced looking and sounding...yet I'd rather not admit it because everytime I think about it I cringe....because I know better then that. Let's just say when I went home and told Jon (let's face it...this guy has so much dirt on me it could fill 3 volumes of books) he looked at me, eyes gaping and said, "What??? Why did you do that???" and my response, "I didn't know what to do...I didn't know what she wanted me to do." Yikes....but other then that, I guess it went all right. I followed up with a Thank You card and will be sending her an updated headshot of me......

That's right folks....yours truely has FINALLY gotten her face updated. Today I got new headshots taken by a really great (and extremely affordable) photographer....James (Jimmi) Kilduff. During my search for a photographer, I stumbled upon James' website via the Reproductions website and their index of photographers. I saw he lived in Brooklyn and when I contacted him to meet up I realized he lives on the other side of Prospect Park....2 check pluses already in my book. I'm sure I discussed my meeting with him in a previous blog but to sum it up, I knew he was going to be the photographer for me. I had a couple more photographers to meet and when I did all I could think of was, "Nope. James Kilduff seems to suit me best".

We were scheduled at the beginning of the month but due to some financial situations on my end, had to postpone until this Thursday the 23rd. Turned out that James has gotten cast in a reading (CONGRATS AGAIN!!!!) and would be out of town tomorrow thru the beginning of November and asked if I was available today. Oh to live the life I live....of course I was!!! So this morning at 11am, with my roller suitcase and garmet bag, I was at James' door all set to go. His makeup artist, Melissa Feyereisen, was amazing. She is a licensed Esthetician and lives in Manhattan (but came to Brooklyn and stayed the whole time). My photos haven't even been retouched yet and they already look SSSSSOOOOOO good!!!!! :) I think that will give you an idea of the kind of work she does. If anyone is interested or needs a makeup artist (Halloween is coming up and she loves Halloween makeup) let me know and I will pass on her contact information for you. So I try on a few things for them and decided on 3 tops...a black scoop neck 3/4 sleeve sweater, a blue/white tank with ruffels and the straps and a tan sweater with a white tank underneath. We ventured outside but unfortunately the lighting was pretty blah and it started to drizzle so we headed back to James' apartment. We got back in time because it started to rain a little bit harder....was it even supposed to rain today??? We were puzzled. Anyway...not wasting anytime, I changed into my tank top and we got started. And as time went on the weather got a little bit better and we made our way back to the park to get some outdoor shots. James was full of enegry the entire time which was great...or maybe it had something to do with the coffee he had ealier (and which he hadn't had in about 3 months according to him) that was making him so energetic (and rubbing off despite the chill in the air).....and having him hear "the coffee band" in his head....You had to be there....it was funny. All in all, I had a great time and looking at my shots...couldn't be happier. James, if you're reading this, thank you so much...I can't say it enough. You name will be passed on for anyone looking for a photographer...in fact, it already has. And Melissa, thank you for making me look so good. You truly are talented. If anyone is interested in seeing some of the work James and Melissa did today for me, check out my myspace page.....www.myspace.com/nicolepatrick. And for those of you who would like to get in touch with James, you can check out his website at www.jkbkphotography.com

Besides the fun-filled day I've had, not much has happened since the last I wrote. Just a lot of busy days marked in my book with small post-its trying to remeber who I have to email back, look up, call, ask a favor, reconnect with....the usual. Since I haven't talked to and/or seen my friends and family back in Jersey in what feels like a millenium, I MISS YOU!!!!!

Until next time.............................