Ok -- read "The Alchemist." If you're ready, it will change your life. If you're not, it's a great fable. If you're in flux, it will guide your way. Literature lesson for the day, kiddies.

Stars, you say? I got your stars :) It's been a bit light lately, but here goes. Last week President Bill Clinton did a book signing at the little bookstore next to my restaurant -- thousands of folks showed up for the 5pm signing as early as midnight the night before. Popular guy, that one. He signed books for 5 hours, and no, I didn't see him. He did, however, order food to go from us the next night (a semi-big deal as we don't usually do to-go orders). Again, I wasn't there, didn't see anything.

Over the weekend we saw super-lawyer Robert Shapiro, Spinderells (a Sunday regular for the Salt-n-Peppa fans out there), Jon Lovitz being a little less crazy than usual... I told you it was a light week. Driving on Saturday night I saw Eli Roth, one of the producers of my film, in the car next to me on Fairfax... didn't realize it was him until it was too late to catch his attention. They were doing reshoots over the weekend... maybe this thing will have a release date soon!

Oh yeah - almost forgot -- my roomie worked the press line at the BET Awards last night and escorted Rick James down the carpet. At the end of the line, in front of the fan bleachers, he spent 2 minutes declaring, "that's right, I'm still Rick James, bitch!!" This is pretty funny even if you haven't seen the Chappelle's Show rip on Rick James... but even more freakin hilarious if you have. That's destination television, my friends.

Got to go to Dodger Stadium again last night and see them take on the Giants. Of course, the Giants lost (made up for it tonight), but it was pretty freakin cool anyway -- we were close enough to actually see the action, not up in the stratosphere. So now I've seen Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa at Dodger Stadium... I'll definitely be there in August to see my Bravos - although they're just not what they used to be. What the hell - I'm just a chick - be happy I'm as interested in sports as I am. (go Pistons!!)

For those of you in the Atlanta vicinity, I'll be in town the first week of August -- I'll be hanging out a little, but mostly packing up my stuff. Yup, another cross-country trip for me. I'm hoping to stop off at the Grand Canyon this time - wahoo!

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noice, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart" - unknown

Namaste

Alchemy is a sign of change, inner change. You might be going through a period of transformation, which will not be always easy, but the rewards will be greater than the pain.

Reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho... stunning.

What if you had an idea that would change the face of the nation? An idea so unique yet so basic in its intent that it unified masses who might never agree on anything else? An idea that would not only change the way we view life and death as a people, but revive and potentially save the planet? How would you even begin to execute it? Who do you tell? An idea so profound it brings me to tears... yet the actuality may never happen, at least in my lifetime. Oh, but the thought of it -- such a sweetness to it, so simple, so peaceful.

We as a people need to face our fears of death and dying. We need to understand that we are all bundles of energy, and energy just doesn't stop -- even if our mortal shell does. Call it your afterlife, your heaven, your great beyond -- I call it the next step. Freedom from the anger and war and liposuction and drama of this world (and as an actress, that's saying something). Fear the pain of life, not the passage of death.

*whew* Got pretty deep there for a second!! I'll stop for now, but no promises. I am a child of the universe, and there's no holding me back.

I spent the weekend in lovely (and I use the term verrrry loosely) Fort Wayne, Indiana. And I thought Ohio was bad. Anyway, I stood as Maid of Honor in my brother Steven's wedding, and oh, what a beautiful day. I always wondered what the world had in store for my baby brother, and I couldn't have wished for a better day - or a more wonderful new sister-in-law (not to mention her beautiful girls -- new nieces for me!!).

It was a joy to have almost my entire family together under one roof - both Dad and Mom's -- such a rare occurance. I saw people I had never met (my fabulous dancing partner, 2-year-old Michael), and people I hadn't seen in years (Michael's parents, my cousins Debbie and Ron). We also had the rare priviledge of Mom's David's presence... that's his name now, Mom's David -- and oh, what a joy to see him again.

Many wonderful things, many wonderful conversations... And of course my mama was there, too -- no one can really figure out why the D.J. played "Crazy" and dedicated it to my family... we're just so happy he did (for those of you not in the know -- Patsy Cline's "Crazy" was one of my mama's favorite songs, one of her favorite to sing at karaoke, and one the two of us always fought over to sing first... and at her gravesite after her funeral, I belted it out for the family, the world, and my mama to hear). Sometimes a good cry at a joyeous occasion is ok... especially when surrounded by those who love you most in the world.

No real celebrity updates this time, as I haven't been to work in a week. Very nice little vacation here. I've been busy with the wedding, and making preparations to get my things in Atlanta (a probably 8-day/lots of cash undertaking in August -- with my cats -- that I'm hoping will culminate in a wonderful trip to the Grand Canyon... a fitting start to my new life - glory to nature in the highest)... grounding myself mentally, taking care of myself physically... A lot to do, but then, when one is building a new life, it's necessary.

Went to the Improv last night to see my beautiful and talented friend Suzanne Whang do her standup. If you get the chance, check her out on HGTV's "House Hunters" -- or if you're really lucky, check out her standup -- she ROCKS!! That chick is not only beautiful and talented, she is so full of good energy and karma -- I'm so lucky she's my friend. :)

You know, people come into your life for a reason. When you meet someone, take the time to dig a little deeper -- see what they have to teach you. It's not always good, but there are lessons everywhere. You may meet someone who you may have an initial feeling about, then you talk some more, get to know them, and realize their world view is the same as yours.... and that's pretty rare. In turn, share yourself with others -- see what you have to give. You never know what may happen -- you may find a new poet you enjoy, learn something new about sports or astrology or late-night cartoons or the joys of doughnuts at 3am, or you might just learn the secret to the future of the human race and the salvation of the planet. War and hate and anger are stupid. Look someone in the eye and discover new things. Find the beauty in the world around you - we as a people are so much better than all of this crap in the world today. We are smart, beautiful, capable, and most of all, we are love.

Nurture yourself. Love yourself. Make peace, not war. Stop thinking I've become a hippy-liberal-California freak - I've been one all along, I just didn't actually live in California ;)

Namaste... I'm off to discover the world of Charles Bukowski.

And no, no doughnut (but I did single-handedly do away with a pound of See's nuts and chews on my weekend... gotta have my chocolate fix right about now...)

Ok - for real this time - Namaste.... :)

Sorry... so sorry -- been busy :) It's 5am and I'm off to Fort Wayne, IN for my little brother's wedding -- I'll try to Blog whilst I'm there!!!

And - still no doughnuts :)

namaste --

Who really did kill Laura Palmer? I mean, sure, according to the tv show's abrupt ending (and the companion books), one would assume it was her father... However, if you watch the "Twin Peaks" movie - meant to be a mystery begun and solved in 2 hours (in case the show didn't get picked up, I'm assuming) - the answer is creepy Bob (and not the Bob/Dad combo from the series...). Hmmmm - ponderous.

All of this, by the way, because one Sheryl Lee, aka Laura Palmer, stopped in for dinner last night. Little old me, rolling my silverware next to Laura Palmer. Almost couldn't contain myself, and freakin nobody else in the place knew who she was. I work with children, I tell ya. Of course, since I'm only 26, i was verrrry young when that show was on ;)

Let's see --- Kid from Kid-n-Play came in again, but he's pretty much old news, too. I finally had a Norm McDonald sighting - yay me!

Strolling through the brand new Target at La Brea & Santa Monica (kick ass complex with a new Ulta as well... wheeee) - I saw a face from the past... Jim J. Bullock, from tv's "Too Close for Comfort" -- again, it was probably just me recognizing him, but it was fun :)

Want a visual on quintissential Hollywood? Driving down Santa Monica Boulevard last night, a shirtless hunk (in his mind, at least) in his convertible, singing his head off... license plate "GYM BOY." Man.

Nuff Said... My Aunt Bunny & Uncle Jeff are in town visiting my cousin Courtney... hope I get to see them while they're here -- I need a family fix! Of course, I am heading East for a few days next week... Yay!!!

Quote of the day from Elizabeth:

"...in the unexplored expanse which exists between believing and knowing, there is a beautiful and uncomfortable place where dreams are born."
-- Marianne Radmacher-Hershey

Quick one tonight, kiddies... Finally saw the new Harry Potter tonight -- yay!!! I just lurrrve me some Harry Potter :) Plus, the theatres out here are just stupendous -- tonight I was at the Chinese Theatre at Hollywood & Highland - veddy nice.

Not a lot on the celeb front today, although "That 70's Show" fans will be happy Topher Grace came in for lunch.

I must point out that once again it's 3am, and once again, no doughnut.

Sad, but I think it's time to step away from the doughnuts. My name is Wendy, and it's been almost a week since my last doughnut. I"m taking it day by day at this point.

Oh well, at least I still have my dried mango from Trader Joe's... not the same, but still yummy.

Damn I want a doughnut.

Hold on to your pants, kiddies -- this is gonna be a good one!! Last night I had the pleasure and the privilege to attend the premiere of Michael Moore's newest documentary, "Fahrenheit 9/11" - winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Wow. Wow. Wow.

GO SEE "FAHRENHEIT 9/11" AS SOON AS IT OPENS... TELL YOUR FRIENDS...

GO SEE THIS MOVIE.

I have been a fan of Michael Moore's since "Roger & Me," being a Michigan gal and all -- and I have to honestly say his style can be grating at times, but this one's the thing -- it's amazing.

This was a premiere on Wilshire Boulevard at the Academy, so of course it was just ripe with Hollywood's liberal set. I dolled myself up in a great "George Bush - dumbass" shirt and stilettos, and trotted myself on in. We all had different agendas -- I was there to enjoy the spectacle and get myself seen (c'mon - it's Hollywood!), Merrill wanted to pitch their new project to anybody who'd listen (Michael Moore), and Skye wanted to drink the free cocktails and cause a commotion (ok, I dug the free cocktails and fabulous eats, too).

It's strange passing a press line when you're "nobody" -- ok, I'm not nobody, but the press corps hasn't figured that out yet -- you have to walk almost in the street to get past them, cuz they just don't care about you... the bad chick from "Alias," though, her they care about. A lot.

So we make our way in, nice and early so we can catch the "sights." First up was Ellen Degeneres -- yay!!! We actually ended up seeing a lot of her - at one point David almost knocked her over as they both headed in the same direction at the same time. Next came Viggo Mortensen -- wow. Can't help it, he's really hot. :) Walking around talking to folks before the screening, Harvey Weinstein cut a formidable swath. There's something to be said for standing next to one of the most powerful and persuasive men in Hollywood. Even if he didn't know who the hell I was.

I took a trip to the bathroom and applied lip gloss next to Roseanna Arquette... and I shared a bathroom break later with Marisa Tomei and Leelee Sobieski. Hey, they've got needs, too. Sitting in the theatre we saw Martin Sheen (of course)and Sharon Osbourne... and a whole bunch of people who just looked familiar.

At the reception following, whilst enjoying "Fahrenheits" (actually some sort of orange cosmopolitan), smoked salmon and filet mignon bites, the celebrity-watching was ripe: Rob Reiner, Larry David (somehow I expected him to be much taller), critic Leonard Maltin, Orlando Jones (who looked like he just might have recognized me from Atlanta, but didn't quite), and Meg Ryan -- who really needs to stop messing with her face. Really.

The coup de grace, of course, was meeting Mr. Moore and his wife personally. I screwed up my courage and introduced myself -- with the clever opening line "I've actually been to Autoworld" - sure to get his attention, which it did, as the dang place was only open for 6 months and a central figure in "Roger & Me." I just told him as a Michigander and longtime fan I was so pleased he was in the position he's in now.
That was enough -- truly an honor.

So that's that -- I'm off to work -- and you need to be making plans to see "Fahrenheit 9/11" on June 25th.

Hoooooray for Hollywood.... :)

So now we've headed into the territory of the repeat offenders - er, regulars. :) More Ron Jeremy -- like we need more! Ok, more isn't always so bad when you're talking about Ron Jeremy, but Joey McIntyre? Not so much. Time for some new celebs to come in for ribs.

VERY excited about the "Fahrenheit 9/11" premiere tomorrow... Elana, my roomie, has been telling me about all of the folks expected to attend... supposedly Mel Gibson will be in attendance, although we're not exactly sure why... love to look at the man, just wish he wouldn't talk so much. Be quiet, pretty man. Shhhhhh... ;) Just found out the producers of my film, "2001 Maniacs", Eli Roth & Boaz Yakin are supposed to be there -- I'm hoping to run into them at some point. Either way, this should be a fabulous spectacle!!! Ms. Elana & I went shopping for an appropriate outfit for me, and found a shirt at the "Don't Panic" store in West Hollywood that sports a picture of good old George W. with the caption "dumbass." Perfect! Elana then chopped it up and made it all "L.A." style for me - gotta be hot, ya know!

Lest you think I'm all caught up in Hollywood, let it be known I'm looking forward to my dougnut tonight. Yes, I'm attending a premiere in a tiny outfit tomorrow, and I'm still wanting my doughnut. Dammit. Guess I'll need to make sure I fit in some cardio tomorrow, huh? :)

For those of you with Comcast cable, Music channel 522 -- New Wave -- rocks my world these days. Contraband all over again... Where else can you hear Erasure, Iggy Pop, PiL, and Siouxsie nonstop? Where, I ask you?!?

See you after the premiere -- love is the drug I'm thinking of... ;)

I almost forgot... if that wasn't actually Betty Ford in this afternoon, it was someone who looked a hell of a lot exactly like her...

Hmmmm... still missing that doughnut.

Check check check check check ch-check it out.... the Beastie Boys made an appearance late tonight -- much to the delight of the wait staff :) It's almost impossible not to belt out "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" or some other ditty whilst in the presence of DJ Ad-Rock... Oh, and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras came in again, this time with her mother and sister (who used to work there) -- she's about old news now ;)

So it's official -- I'll be attending the premiere of Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" on Tuesday at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS to you and me)-- I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself. Now, what to wear... what to wear... I believe a shopping trip is in order - this is Hollywood, after all!!


3:45am, and no doughnuts for me tonight... and I'm kinda sad about that.

Want an uplifting moment in your day? Visit Tarot.com and get your horoscope emailed to you on a daily basis -- it's really cooooool...

;) Off to sleep, perchance to dream of a fabulous outfit...

Wow - bet you didn't expect to see me so soon, didja?!?!! Well, I'm back, with bells on. I'm totally burned out on work right now (although I'm needing to work more to afford all of the life changes going on... double-edged sword, natch) - so I've been delving deep into my head to get through my day -- lots of revelations to share with you! I know you have nothing better to do with your time than read my ramblings, so here goes!!

First off -- have you loved today? I don't necessarily mean another person -- life, the weather, your animal companion, the smell of your freshly laundered boxers, the smell of your significant other, the taste of something wonderful? If you have smiled at something simple today, you have loved. Good -- do this more.

I know, you're thinking California has seeped into my brain -- and in a way, you're right. I actually think I'm finding the me I locked away in a closet many years ago, and she's been vacationing in SoCal. It's nice here. I think I'll stay. :) (sorry Daddy -- I promise I'll visit!!)

Any Michael Moore fans out there? We all know about his highly anticipated (and Disney-shunned) new film "Fahrenheit 9/11" -- well, my fabulous roomie is working for the production company doing the premiere at the Academy on Tuesday -- and I think I may be going - wheee!!! Politics! Hollywood!! Bush-bashing!!! Politically-motivated stars and starlets!!!! Paparazzi!!!!! Wow -- I may not be able to contain myself. It warms my cute little liberal heart.

Ok, I know I've been rambling, and nary a celeb-sighting have I mentioned.... so here goes. Today I saw both Jackie Collins, junk-novel extraordinaire-ess, and Dyan Cannon -- hot chick extraordinaire. Good? Sorry, no great stories to tell, just a long day at work (anyway, wasn't the Rick James accosting me at dinner story enough for one week? LOL).

Get some sleep, my disco children -- I'm off to Neverland ;)

I have uncovered a dark, dirty secret of this city -- ok, I'm quite certain Los Angeles has MANY a dark, dirty secret, but this one is especially unsettling.... at 3am, right in the heart of Hollywood, America's poster-child region for health and beauty, you can find the most AMAZING fresh doughnuts nightly. Man. Hot, straight from the oven (or wherever) -- all sorts. I know, it's no Krispy Kreme, but honestly, those get a little sweet after a while. I'm talking REAL doughnuts here -- cinnamon twists, longjohns (remember those?), chocolate-covered... Somehow stuffing two of these into my face at 3am doesn't seem like cheating - in fact, I think most things eaten at that time of night are calorie-free, aren't they? You just can't get doughnuts like these in Atlanta -- all of the Dunkin' Donuts seem to be weeks old. Ironic in a city full of people who "don't eat" I'm finding the most outrageously wonderful foodstuffs. A few nights ago, finding myself on Sunset around 3am craving Thai food, we made our way to Toi, the fabulous Thai joint open until 4am (although no alcohol after 11:45pm -- again with the antiquated liquor laws I'll justnever get)... Amazing food and seriously cool vibe, if you ever find yourself in Hollywood with a jones for Thai. Anyway, while waiting outside to talk to the doorman (a friend), we had to wait for him to finish his conversation with Brittany Murphy (Clueless, Girl, Interrupted) -- small world here in Hollywierd.

Ok, since we're on the celebs, I'll give you the rundown of this week at the restaurant. First off, we had Luis Gonzales and a whole host of Arizona Diamondbacks in for lunch before taking on the Dodgers. Later on, we had Josh Groban (who, in addition to an amazing voice, also apparently possesses an amazing lack of gratuity knowledge), and Jon Lovitz... wow, that one was interesting. He spent most of his time entertaining girlfriend Janice Dickenson's son with what appeared to be a very interactive baseball lesson. He settled down a bit when Janice reappeared from shopping with her daughter, but that just served to double the daffy quotient at that table. Hmmmmm....

I'm sure a certain number of my cousins still have their New Kids on the Block pillowcases in a drawer somewhere... and I thought of you all when Joey McIntyre came in for lunch on Monday. We had a rousing chorus of the "oh oh oh-oh-oh-'s" from "The Right Stuff" happenin in the back... and then after seeing Frank Stallone at another table, fruitlessly tried to remember his one quasi-hit. Any takers? Anyone?

Tonight I showed up for my shift and ended up not having to work, but still managed to catch Corey Feldman having a nosh. Wow -- my life is complete -- I've seen a Corey in person. *whew*

The coup-de-grace thus far, however, is the odd experience I had last night over dinner. First off, I went to the most amazing place tucked away in Malibu -- if you're ever in the neighborhood, check out Inn of the 7th Ray (www.innofthe7thray.com) -- their philosophy is intriguing: "Your body elemental, that selfless, shy, invisible little fellow who works so hard to keep the oft mistreated human machine going, will jump with joy for your choice of this eating establishment. He prays and hopes you will return soon to make this a pleasant ritual with each return being a new celebration in honor of taking a small step on the path of good dining and good doing" -- our maitre'd seated us and announced "did you know everything on this menu was prepared so that you would feel loved?" Wow. Surrounded by nature, twinkling lights, small,intimate tables, incense, Indonesian buddha statues, serenity and beauty, the total experience of this place is phenomenal -- you actually feel love just sitting there over your meal. Beautiful. But we were talking about celebrities, weren't we? :) Passing tables on the way out, a glorious diner declared, "I just love seeing all the beautiful people..." to which I looked up and smiled (not exactly realizing who he was at that point, just smiling at the sentiment), and he stopped, looking at me - "see, beautiful, happy people." The sentiment was nice, but it was hard not to realize the dude was totally batshit -- off his rocker. His "handlers" moved him along, and the waitress promptly turned to us and announced... "and that would be Rick James." Wow.

I've been working out with a personal trainer at Bally's here -- taking it to the next level, if you will. I'm thinking the 3am doughnuts aren't aiding the process, but what the heck. For every doughnut, I'm also taking in the best L.A. has to offer -- Glaceau's Vitamin Water (those of you in the hinterlands -- check this stuff out - it rocks), freshly pressed and squeezed juices, raw/organic/whole foods, lowfat but tasty choices everywhere -- and instead of having to hunt these down like an elusive prey, they're available at every gas station and convenience store I happen to encounter. I'm truly spoiled. I'll try not to be a pain in the ass when I come home :)

And did I mention I'm eating red meat again? Oh yeah... must have forgotten that one, eh? I was absolutely dreaming about prime rib, and I decided my body was trying to tell me something -- so, after 17 years, I ate a prime rib... and another, and another... and I had a filet last night... I haven't felt this good in a long time - I guess I'm just a damn carnivore now. Do you suppose I should turn in my PETA card?

I'm going to do some serious work on my website here over the next few days - hopefully I'll have the thing up and running here soon. Plus, got a call from Raw Nerve today about 2001 Maniacs reshoots -- that would be cool, but I've already cut my hair off -- crazy world. The movie's still in editing, evidently -- maybe we'll have more news soon.

May you have love, light, peace and a moment of zen... Find some quiet in your life -- it makes the rest so much more exciting :)

Namaste...