Oh, just hanging out with Degrassi . . . Part 1

Above, is the infamous Degrassi Google+ Hangout session that took place today, 2/26/13 at 5:00pm.  Before it even began, I was trying to remain calm on camera, although I was about to have a mini heart attack, because my laptop microphone had chosen NOT to work.  After all the discussion that was done on my Facebook, Twitter and Blog, just as the chat was about to start -- SILENCE from my end.  Yet, I held my composure, and waited until I found the solution.  Never having done a Hangout session, I was unaware of the microphone situation -- epic FAIL on my part.  Good thing I figured it out just as the chat was starting.  I had my questions already written out, but I would have had to type them, just in case.  But at the last minute my sound came on, and (you'll see) I was excited to hear their reaction. *I can be found second from the right, or fifth from the left -- below of the screen.*

Leading the Hangout were three amazingly talented people:  Stefan Brogren (Producer/Actor/Director for Degrassi), Ramona Berckert (writer for Degrassi) and Abby Ho (guru at Degrassi's Epitome Picture).  Joining in on the session, besides myself (@klayster), were four other Degrassi fanatics, whom you can find on Twitter:  @JaimieGallant  @karydegrassi  @Miranda_Kasherv and @ashleyshimski.  I honestly can say it was a beyond fantastic experience to be part of.  Of course I had already made a complete list of questions I wanted to ask, and gratefully I was given the chance to ask some of the more important on my list.


Just to give everyone a heads up, the questions I asked were:

1.  What made you decide Cam was to be the character with the suicide storyline, as opposed to Craig, who dealt with mental illness in the prior seasons?

2.  Are there any past Degrassi storylines you would have liked to continue?  I.E., What happened to Paige's HIV results, as it regards to her being with Griffin?

3.  Will there ever be a Degrassi Mini with Jack as a student at Degrassi?

** I had many others, but thankfully some were asked by the other hangout crew members.

Being that I am an MFA student studying Writing For Stage & Screen, it was indeed helpful to hear the stories of how Stefan, Ramona and Abby found their footing in the film industry.  Not to mention their take on writers block, challenging yourself to just write, even when it's just a few sentences -- good or bad, and never giving up on what you believe you should be doing.  I love hearing what people in the business have to say, because it gives perspective of why one needs to work hard:  nothing will come easily, and you need to build your experience/resume, before going after a big break.

I had a fun time chatting with my fellow Degrassians, and listening to their stories of what Degrassi means to them.  I felt at home during the entire session.  I thank everyone for their sincerity and trust in one another, to make this one of the best (The Best, in my opinion) Degrassi Google+ Hangout sessions!  And the impromptu "Whatever It Takes" singalong was epic!  I look forward to many more episodes of Degrassi (until it "blows up" -- Stefan's words, not mines), and my new found Degrassi quintet, which is thanks to Epitome.  :-p

I will be posting a more in depth blog, in the next few days, so that I can go into further detail of what I took from the entire chat.

Talk Soon.

~Kyra C.

My fantastic week has already begun . . .

Well, if watching an amazing Oscars 2013, wasn't great enough -- I recently received an e-mail about being part of something that has already changed my life, and it doesn't even take place until tomorrow evening. Growing up there were only a few non Disney or Nickelodeon television shows I was intoxicated with:  My So-Called Life, Vicar of Dibley, and 7th Heaven.  The other show being Degrassi.  I would have to say that show made such an impact with me and my outlook on life.  Though My So-Called Life (MSCL) was a close second to being that defiant show for me, it related more towards my older two siblings.  I was watching a show that I was invested in, yet because of the age gap (my sisters and the show itself), I needed to find something more relateable.  Thus, Degrassi.  I can't lie and say I was enamored by the old Degrassi Junior High or Degrassi High seasons as I was and am still with Degrassi The Next Generation (DTNG) and now, Degrassi.  I was a fan, but when DTNG made its rounds to my television screen, I was perplexed with why it had been so long for American viewers to realize what substance they were missing.  Yes, MSCL was amazing, but it only lasted one season, and not a complete one at that.  It was, in my opinion, American shows had been lacking important material that touched the core of its audiences, and for me it took a non-American show to reach my core.  Seems to still be that way.  I still watch Degrassi.  I'm even proud to say, I will continue to support the show and watch it, until it goes off air (which I hope won't be for a while).

My exciting news needed a preface, which is what I briefly discussed, above.  That being said, tomorrow is a major deal for me!  I will be partaking in a Google+ Live Hangout session with both Degrassi Producer, Stefan Brogren (aka Mr. Simpson) and Degrassi writer, Ramona Barckert (most notably for season 12's suicide storyline -- " Bitter Sweet Symphony Parts 1 &2).  I am tremendously excited, nervous and just filled with glee.  My family, high school, undergraduate and graduate buddies all know how connected and borderline obsessed I am of the show, so tomorrow will be more than a big deal.

Tomorrow, either before or after the session, I will return with a new blog, letting everyone know how it turned out.  But for now, I'm going to exit this blog, and get back to writing my questions that I would LOVE to get answered.  I mean, this type of Amazeballz opportunity doesn't happen to just everyone.  And it doesn't just happen everyday.  But since it's happening tomorrow, and to me, I need to focus.  Preparedness Meets Opportunity, right?  Hey, anything could happen!  ;-)

Adios, vatos.

~Kyra C.

Dead(lines)

If you haven't noticed, there always seems to be quite a gap between my posts.  I've been trying to put my thoughts onto the white space more frequently -- besides what I write for school.  I'm getting there . . .

Most of my time is spent trying to dominate the multitasking and perfectionist side of my being -- which enables me to just focus on what I believe needs tackling the most.  But with my newest blog, Traveling To Me: The Road towards Living (a Dream), I decided to capture each step -- my total process of getting things done -- even the harshest moments.  *spoiler alert*

I will be writing some of the most personal journeys I have taken, am in the process of taking and that I am still in the midst of.  But don't worry, not every writer or composer goes ONLY into the dark.  There is always a ray of sun, somewhere -- lurking, beyond the dark forest in our minds -- those times when life seems bleak, and something pushes towards that breaking point . . . Push back!  There IS a way out.  I am going to try and NOT fright myself from talking about those moments.  And of course, the positive ones too.

 

 

Maybe in the next post I'll write about what made me want to become a writer (of all things: music, poetry, stage, screen, essays; stories).  So, get ready, there will be posts galore -- sooner than you can imagine.  And this time, I'm writing from my core. 

I'm going to leave you with this -- Brain-Matter-Double-Exposure- Song that inspired this blog. To get you in the realm of learning more about me and my writing.

Don't Let Me Be Alone

Don't Let Me Be Alone - Title track that inspired me to record my thoughts.

These past few weeks have been some of the most bizarre times I have had. I guess it started with my third semester residency as an MFA student. Possibly it was because I had to take that trek, the one that I embarked on over a year prior. And after that residency ended, I was back on the move. This time I didn't get to stay put where my heart wanted me to be. This time I was torn. 

As I rode that Amtrack state-to-state, I remembered the adventures I passed up, just by going in that direction.  With only a few days to let loose, I decided to go back.  Visit.  Be around the familiar.  But what to me began as a frightful beginning; my new home away from 'home;' my familiar, had turned into a farewell. I was leaving, again, and this time I didn't really want to. I felt home -- although it wasn't my original place of destination -- it was still safe. It was what I grew to know. And ultimately love. I was taking an oh, so repetitive trip back.

Funny how I wanted nothing but to get away from the same, that I was managing to forget the way out.  I had worked so hard to leave this place, and it took strange circumstances (I'll get into later) to bring me back.  But for how long?  Where was my heart?  Was I to become stagnant?  Could I make a change -- knowing I had, but nobody else did?  More importantly, how was I going to grow, artistically, being back where it started? 

Trust me, these were questions I asked myself as I packed, boarded the train, sat for those 18+ hours and then departed. And I'm still asking them now. Did I get so use to the awesomeness around me after I left, that I couldn't realize the gem that was once there? I don't know. And maybe that's something I need to investigate. I take that back -- that's something I'll totally look into. Because I'm here now, and I have to make it work. I can't afford any more insanity trips (another story I'll get to later), especially with this being the semester before my thesis. So, I have to get to work. Whatever way possible -- I have to make it work. And I have to stop those pestering thoughts that want to deprive me of my next adventure. 

I HAVE TO STAY FOCUSED.

AND CONTINUE LOOKING AHEAD -- DREAMING

"No more maybe's"

I watched her.  

I watched from inside.  

Peered from above.  

And listened intently, because I knew something would protrude its way from under her staccato'd breathing. 
But it didn't.  

Maybe she never saw me.  

Maybe the daze caught her for too long.  

Took away her capabilities, just like it took mine.  

I watched her.  

She never moved.  

Never.  

Not once.  

And I listened.  

She said nothing.  

I wondered when her actions would take place, but they didn't.  

When those sharp pains subsided, she looked up, at me.  

Still, nothing.  

So, I watched, again.  

Those once sharp pains, didn't seem like anything anymore.  

The jabs were like clock work, and were persistent.  

I wondered if she felt anything anymore.  

Maybe she had disappeared . . . 

I wanted her to disappear -- from the outside, just as she did on the inside.  

Maybe then my hovering would fall into one.  

And she'd move.  

Watch me.  

Feel something.  

Or maybe she knew how to control it.  

That moment.  

Those minutes, which went on for too long.  

Or just maybe, as her daze sunk in deeper, she fell further.  

And maybe she wondered too --  why my eyes were open and yet I never saw it happening.  

Because if I did, why didn't I catch her?

~Kyra C.