I write to you from my favorite Lazy-Boy in the apartment that I have been subletting for over a year now to give you the latest update on my ‘adventures’ in this Concrete Jungle we call NYC. Sadly, I will only be able to sit in my favorite chair for a few more weeks as I will be moving my things to storage for a few months to live under the FDR bridge. Just Kidding. But I will be staying with friends for a while to get back on my feet. Yes, the Jungle knocked me down. But I will get back on that vine and swing back before I know it.

Anyway, that’s not really why I’m updating you. If you have been following me since my college years (I know it hasn’t been that long but it feels like it) then you will remember the organization I founded at Bowling Green State U called BGSU Broadway Cares, a student-run group that produced benefit concerts and silent auctions to raise funds for AIDS research and all affected by the disease. You may also remember that I continued my dedication to the cause by participating in the AIDS WALK NYC last year. Well guess what? It’s that time again this year folks and I NEED YOUR HELP.

Yes, I can ‘walk’ regardless how much money I’ve raised, but I would be so honored if YOU would sponsor me with even the smallest amount. $5..$10..$2? Believe me, I am the beyond the point of feeling like I have any funds to give at all.. (note: living under the bridge soon.) but I came upon an excerpt in Rhonda Byrne’s “the Secret” that has really perked me up.

The book itself is about willing the good to come to you by law of attraction. If you emit good, good will come to you. There are chapters concerning Health, Relationships, Personal Happiness, as well as Money. Considering my current situation the money chapter really interested me. But it was all about believing that you have more than enough, and then giving (not sacrificing) to others. I know that I shouldn’t be spending at all right now, but it feels too good to donate even the $20 that I put in towards this walk. I truly believe that in giving, I am receiving just by the happiness it brings me. You must emit into the universe what you wish to receive. Positive frequencies will attract just that. Negativity only attracts more of the same. It may sound cheesey (and I’m not quite finished with the book yet) but I am really starting to look up and out of my situation and let all the good in my life radiate in.

Long story short (or if you just skimmed the previous paragraph, grr!) I’m asking you to pass on your positive frequencies to this year’s AIDS WALK NYC by sponsoring me in any amount that you can. The link is RIGHT HERE and it really is so quick and easy! Thank you in advance!

Wish me luck on the AIDS WALK and my couch hopping adventures and I will update more soon!

Love you, mean it! ~~Maria

I thought about writing in here from time to time over the past few months but always second guessed what anyone would care to read about. But no more second guessing- I’m going to talk about my randomness in New York and you can read or go back to stalking facebook or whatever suits you.

My life since the new year as consisted mainly of trying to find a decent job. If you read previous posts you will recall I was laid off from my serving job at the Plaza Hotel on Dec 31. (Yeah. Happy New Year.) So there went all my blogging time! (Still not buying the excuses? Me neither.) Anyway, I have been bouncing from serving job to catering job to any other dehumanizing restaurant industry job I could find. Currently I’m a cocktail waitress in a ‘swanky’ new restaurant but I know that I did not get a business degree for nothing…. I’m already sick of it and am trying to apply for administrative (or something!) jobs within the music/entertainment industry. At least that way I will feel a part of something that I am actually passionate about. I have an interview this week for a new job so cross your fingers!

In other news, I have still been going to auditions though not as frequently. I auditioned for the new production of RENT which is coming to off-broadway (too soon?). It was an open call which meant it was SWARMING with people. It was on a Friday, the day after St. Patrick’s Day. (You see where I’m going with this…) BUT I was determined to be in line as early as possible. People were going to be camping out- why not me too? So yes, maybe I was out a bit during the day on Thursday…into a bit of the evening, but I am pleased to report that I ran home, threw my clothes, book, and snacks in a duffle bag, grabbed a chair from my kitchen (did I mention I’d been out for st. patty’s?) and ran back out the door at 11pm to New World Stages where the audition would be held the next morning. There I slept (passed out?) on the cold concrete stairs to the venue until early the next morning where I ran to a friend’s to change and rally for the audition.

Blah Blah, long story short- I ended up getting a callback which happened immediately after the first audition. Callback went well. But as per usual… nothing further (yet!).

Another callback story: I may not be at liberty to discuss/post so I will let you fill in the blanks. There is a new American Idol-type show coming from the UK to the states…. X-cuse me but I may not Factor the name into this blog just to be safe… but I waited all night for 3 days to audition, received a callback out of thousands of people… but then did not make it past the callback. I think they are looking for off-the-wall looking people. For once, it’s annoying to look normal?

Anyway, whoa, I rambled. Guess that’s what happens when I don’t blog for a long time. Maybe I should do it more often so I don’t exhaust you all at once. So off I go to work in the cocktail lounge. If you happen by 26th n Park, come say hi…

xoxox

m

Also Check Out:

Falling Slowly – cover w/Luke James

Upcoming Show: Dec 4- Bathtub Gin in Celebration of Repeal Day. 8pm. Contact for details.

Just preceding the new year of 2010, I had graduated college from Bowling Green State University with my degree in Vocal Music and Entrepreneurship. A very proud moment considering I was able to successfully complete the program in 3.5 years. I had also just completed my senior recital- which in my case, was a big concert with a full band and fun setlist of musical theatre and jazz.

Then, 2010 hit and my first official accomplishment for the new year was moving to New York City that February. I sold my precious VW Beetle and with that money, picked up and moved to the big, bad city… jobless and apartment-less but with a few great friends (and great couches) to help pave my way. Within a month, I had found myself an apartment to sublet and a job. Things since have been so great and needless to say, quite the adventure.

About to hit my 1-year anniversary of moving to the city….I can’t believe it! More posts on what I’ve been up since the big move and what my next “big moves” will be.

xoxo

M

• “Fragments,” by Rori Nogee  (April)
• “Love Quirks,” by Seth Bisen-Hersh  (September)

-Completed the NYC AIDS Walk. (May)

-Secured a server position at the Plaza Hotel.  (June)

-Performed several talent showcases including those with Seth Bisen-Hersh and publicist, Michael Martinez.

-New Headshots (see photo gallery)

-Performed back-to-back gigs at Red Lion and Pig ‘n’ Whistle with Brian Ripps of The Turn an Thanksgiving.

I’m pleased with my accomplishments so far and am eager to add to a new list for 2011….

For more photos from RWS- check the Pictures Section!

Hey Everyone!
Just letting you know that I have been working very hard on putting together a Benefit Concert for Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS. I have produced a Musical Review full of current Broadway Show numbers as well as a Silent Auction complete with autographed posters and Broadway memorabilia! If you’re in the area, please come by! Free admission! Free-Will Donations Encouraged.

Saturday, 11 April, 2009
Bowling Green State University
Wooster Center
Auction: 7pm
Concert: 8pm