SURVIVOR: Blood vs Water Finale

You know you are important when you have a seat with your name on it!  :)

Letters to Ashleigh - Milwaukee Magazine Follow Up

Hi, Friends!

I'm thrilled that a follow-up story about my upcoming documentary was featured in Milwaukee Magazine.  Check out the story and the EXCLUSIVE trailer by clicking on the link below.  And PLEASE help spread the word!  This is a story that NEEDS to be told!

Special Thanks to Mr. Mack Bates for supporting this project since it's inception and for helping to give our movie a special voice within the community.  Check out the link below!

http://www.milwaukeemag.com/article/1172013-ACalltoActionLetterstoAshleigh

Walt Disney Family Barn

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the Walt Disney Family Barn in the heart of Griffith Park.  The park is just a short drive from me, and it was such a beautiful day today that it was a great opportunity to get out!  When I first arrived, I received an exclusive collectible sticker.  The sticker is your 'ticket' on the train that takes you to and from the barn.

The barn is actually a museum that was built in the backyard of Disney's house as a place where Walt could get away and play with his toy trains.  It's no secret that Walt Disney loved playing with trains -- so much so that he built an entire barn for them!

They say that the barn was the birthplace of Walt Disney Imagineering because it was here that Walt stirred up his original concept designs for the Disneyland park.  How inspiring!  Being inside the historic building, you can really 'feel' Walt's vibe.  EVERYTHING in the barn was touched and created by Walt and his closest friends.  The desks, the tables, the stationary, and all the train tracks.  It was so cool to see.

There's a few other things that make this location special.  For starters, it's the only Disney 'park' that offers free admission.  All other parks like Disneyland, Disney World, etc... and even his family and hometown museums require a fee to enter.  Secondly, it's the only place where you can collect an exclusive Disney pin that you can't find anywhere else.  For those who are die-hard pin collectors, a gift shop visit is a must.  Lastly, it's the only place where you can see an original train from Disneyland when the park first opened!  How COOL is that?!  

Overall, good times were had at the Disney Family Barn!  It's small and can easily be seen in about an hour, but it's worth the visit if you have the time!

RIP Richard LeParmentier

Richard LeParmentier passed away today.  He memorably 'felt the force' of Darth Vader's wrath as Admiral Motti in STAR WARS.  I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago, when he gave me his version of the 'force choke'.  Cheers to a cool guy who will be missed!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Lately, it seems like life has been in "fast forward" mode.  I haven't had much time to stop and take everything in since I've been so busy working.

Yesterday was my last day on Top Model for the season.  The time flew by SO quickly, and I'm really sad to see it all come to an end.  The crew on the show has become like family to me, and it makes coming into work every day just a little more special.  Once the cycle hits the airwaves this summer, we'll find out if we are back for another season.  Keep your fingers crossed for me that we do!

Today, I am back on set of Dancing with the Stars.  No down time.  No break in the middle.  I'm just hopping from one gig to the next.  I'm excited to be back with some familiar faces I haven't seen in a while, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the new stars for this season.

Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll find a day off in the near future.  Until then, it's time to put the petal to the metal!

A Fond Farewell

Today, I had a lovely opportunity to guest star on a radio / blog show hosted by Betty Jo Tucker.  Betty Jo hosts the hit-show "Movie Addict Headquarters" where she chats about all things entertainment.  I was honored to be invited on her show to discuss the Milwaukee Summer Entertainment Camp.

During the program, I think I took quite a few people by surprise when I formally announced that I would be ending my camp after a fantastic four year run.  It was hard to say goodbye, but I know it's time for me to move on to the next great adventure.  In case you missed it, here was the bulk of my farewell announcement:

"For the last four years, our camp has done some truly incredible things.  We constantly raised the bar and achieved big goals.  This camp has been my life and I know when it's time to say goodbye and move onto new projects and even greater adventures.  Thank You to everyone who has supported us along the way.  Your trust in me; your sharing of your time every summer has brought me and our kids the greatest joy."

Before the show, I was pondering if making the announcement on Betty Jo's show was the right call.  After our hour long program, I had no doubts in my mind.  It was so nice to hear from all the wonderful people that called in and shared their positive thoughts and memories about the camp with me.  I felt like I have made a difference over the past four summers.

It's always tough to walk away from something.  Especially when you put so much heart and soul into it.  But I know my job here is done, and I know greater things await on the horizon.  Thanks to everyone for coming along with me on this camp journey, and I hope you stay with me for the next great adventure.

In case you are curious in listening to the entire hour-long show, you can have a listen by clicking here.