{on set}

I’m writing this blog from Liberty Coffee Haus, a gorgeous coffee shop housed in a 100-year-old building that used to be a cigar factory. There is beautiful live music playing, I just had the best cinnamon roll of my life and I am in Texas shooting a movie. (I may not be a nurse in REAL life, but I get to play one onscreen and that ALMOST makes your dreams come true, right Mom????) LIFE IS GOOD. I say that not to brag, but because I’m trying to be in the moment and soak it up (while not being too precious with it, at the same time. It’s a job, after all.) But I can’t help being reallyreallyreally excited. Even though it’s a job, it’s my dream dream job, getting to act for a living. (Well, writing and acting. I want it ALL. I’m a millenial and we can do anything and everything, supposedly…) And even though I’m just here for a few days before going back to the grind of auditioning and writing things on spec and waiting and hoping for the next thing, and it’s just a small part in an indie movie, I’m here now and I got to be on set all day yesterday and get paid to do what I love, even if for just a little bit. I’ve written a lot lately about my career frustrations, so I’m really happy to be sharing this bit of happy news. I hope your week was just as happy, and your weekend is even happier! X A

{caffeine}

{BREAKFAST}

And the place I got to stay when I wasn’t working:

{the house I’m staying in}

{and the backyard. FOR REAL.}

{porch life}

{the dogs that live here full-time. prob gonna take them home in my suitcase.}

{cows on the property}

I went for a walk when I got home last night, and it was so peaceful. I didn’t have to worry about getting mugged (although I did notice a few cows giving me the side-eye, and googled whether or not cows attack.) The pace of life here is slower, the land more expansive, the food more covered in cheese/queso. I’m loving this brief escape from L.A.

{This view from the plane on my way out of la la land Wednesday morning}

{gem from Pumpkin the Raccoon‘s Instagram feed}

Pumpkin the Raccoon’s Instagram. If you aren’t following @PumpkintheRaccoon, WHAT are you doing with your life???

These ladies, for speaking out and up for women in Hollywood.

Tony wants to make silly home movies with me and the dogs, and put them on Instagram (like this one).

This text from Tony, after I thanked him for driving me to the airport at the buttcrack of dawn. #BLESSED #FULLBRAG #DATHUSBANDTHOUGH

And this text from my dad. Looks like they’re doing just fine with me gone.

This beautiful note from a sweet reader. (And yes, Pearl WAS remarkable. Everyone needs a Pearl in their life.)

And THIS note! I so love hearing from you guys. Thank you. I can’t believe I have an e-friend in Portugal.

This photo series of Maggie after she hopped the fence into an enclosed portion of our yard and couldn’t figure out how to get out. Tony and I cried laughing, and then got her out.