Common Sense--the power of right, not might. Too often Government is composed of followers that tend to be protectors of power and pushers of the status quo. Their lack of courage leads to a monopoly of mediocrity. We need thinkers, innovators, entrepreneurs, with courage and the vision to excite and inspire. I feel that Mr. Pickens may be one of those leaders.

Running my own successful business for 20 years, has taught me not look to Government for much of anything-- as they have forgotten they are elected to represent and serve "we the people". I prefer to put my faith in the best ideals and integrity of the American people, and definitely believe as Margaret Mead said to “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does”. I am also a screenwriter, and one day, when I sell my award winning feature screenplay, "REBIRTH", I will put a large portion to contribute to this essential cause.

I just realized that the end of August is nearing, tomorrow is actually my birthday, and I'd hope the month had passed slower. I'd hoped the past ten years had. I thought if I were busy enough that I wouldn't notice so much, but it just hit me, harder than usual... Life is flying by.

I have spent the past two years solid, writing almost daily and focused on a screenplay that is my passion, either re-writing, polishing, or networking. It has given me much purpose, and I've "met" so many wonderful people. :) (only a few not so wonderful.) I've learned a great deal about myself-- what I'm willing to give up and what I'm not.

Fortunately, I already knew that nothing is worth losing your integrity for, especially fortune and fame, both fickle and fleeting. Some things you gain, but others you can never get back. Sometimes you follow a path that circles back to where you started, and you think it's because you still need to learn the lesson that you missed. Or maybe it looks familiar, because you were already home and have the best of all worlds.

I've learned that dreams are what you live, not what you wish for... that whatever your dreams, don't put them off, but don't look past that which is right beside you to the real miracles, the genuine daily blessings that make life worth living. I'm learning--each and every day-- to be grateful for all the many treasures, in spite of the difficult moments.

LIFE, I've discovered to be a lesson about unconditional love and not taking it all for granted. In the infinite scheme of things, it has never been about me. Regardless, I am content, I have everything I need and the rest or best to come- will be icing on the cake or mud pie that I made myself.

The blessings come with responsibilities and it's the "time thing" regardless-- that each and every person comes into your life with a lesson, and every moment is the gift of a lifetime.

Sunrise: The clouds were tinged with pink and purple-- a new day, a new beginning. Somewhere between sunrise and sunset-- are moments that will soon be gone forever. I could be resentful, but I feel selfish. A hot shower, fresh fruit, the smiles of children, people who love me ( most of the time:) ... I can't complain...too much. Being content in each moment and being able to make a difference, is the gift.

I will send this for my husband tomorrow: "A diplomatic husband said to his wife: How do you expect me to remember your birthday when you never look any older?"

“The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arise from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost” - Arthur Schopenhauer

We really had a great time, and the highlight -- for me -- was the Huguenot church and cemetery.

That highly emotional experience, alone, was worth the trip. My husband Dan and I met some really nice people, including old friends Jeanette and Rick in Savannah! We actually have a documentary in mind for summer. TBA.

Dan and I attended two days of the Charleston IFF viewings, wearing VIP passes and we were both delighted with the quality of films! The audience voted and it was tough to choose, as there were truly many talented film makers there. Tracy Roberts, one of the Film Festival Directors, was especially kind.

It was a memorable trip, but there is no place like home. :)

Painting the Alps is not going to be as exhilarating as climbing them, but a safer adrenaline rush. Also, quite a contrast to the Florida terrain here.

My life is busy, but never boring.

This warms my heart as it is the first time I've worked on a project as an "official" producer, and it's exciting to be part of the bigger picture of a true work of art. "Indy Fans - Quest for Fortune and Glory" is a heartwarming journey through the eyes of the fans, a tribute to Indiana Jones and his millions of fans around the globe.

Brandon Kleyla, the dedicated and talented "Indy Fans" Director, not only experienced the pride and glory of a standing ovation at Newport Beach, Brandon also camped out at the Big Newport for the Crystal Skull premiere, with the rest of the fans.

“I thought if somebody is going to make a film about Indy fans, it’s got to be done right,” Kleya, 25, said, wearing a T-shirt for the fictional Marshall College, where archaeologist Jones teaches. This heartwarming, entertaining documentary has actually received a much better response than the actual "Crystal Skull" on opening night.

I think fans have the highest expectations and standards. No one cares more or knows Indiana Jones better than they do. "Indy Fans" will also capture the fervor of opening night and include the Fan's ideas and acting out of how they would re-write the scenes, if they could. Alonso of MSNBC Online says: "It's not that 'Crystal Skull' doesn't deliver the laughs and the thrills; it's just that they all feel incredibly calculated, and it's quite possible that you won't remember them after a day or two. And when you think of how well 'Raiders' remains etched into the public consciousness after almost 30 years..."

It appears that all necessary ingredients are included: ancient riddles, precious artifacts and supernatural powers. I think maybe a fan just walking out of the premiere put it best: "Well it wasn't exactly what I expected, but I'll watch it twice more, before I make a judgment." Spoken like a true Indy Fan.

I have personally heard that the dialogue could use a bit of tweaking (one of my specialties. I wish Mr. Speilberg would just read my award winning screenplay, "Rebirth". Rebirth rocks as an edgy, provocative script with quite a bit of action, and a similar vein to his amazing and my favorite films 'Schindler's List' and 'Amistad'. If I could just have ten minutes of his time, like Debbie Allen had -- to sell her passion. I keep re-writing that line- Debbie, if you read this, I have nothing but the highest respect for your integrity. Even that doesn't sound right. Anyway, I love and admire Debbie for her persistence to share her dream and the great producer/director that had the courage to bring Amistad to the big screen. Great scripts can be found in many times and places. Heh, just read the first ten pages. :) It's not a repeat or remake of anything, but inspired by a true story that has never been told. Actually, many would prefer it to be forgotten.

My contact information is on IMDB, on moviebytes.com / winning scripts, and here on my website.http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2986271/

Indy Fans documentary information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1209379/

I truly appreciate all of my friends, old and new, and the many judges who have been such a part of this great roller coaster ride that is called polishing and "marketing a screenplay". There are times of frustration when it seems that so many of the films made are recycled remakes or the glorification of gore.

I think there are larger audiences that long for the heart wrenching and heart-warming films like Amistad, Schindler's List, Last Samurai, Titanic, Amazing Grace and Glory. There are never too many classics, or stories of courage and integrity-- full of trials, terror, and tribulation that entertain and inspire. For two hours we can be driven to the depths of despair and emerge at a new high, hold in our heads the horror of failure, and hold in our hearts the honor of giving all to a cause greater than self.

My vision has never dimmed, as I can see with clarity these brave characters coming to life on the big screen as clearly as the words that created their powerful world and potent images.

With 14 awards and wonderful reviews and coverage on “Rebirth”, it still takes time to get the word out, to get the script read, to inspire a producer with the same honor and courage. I do know that this is one screenwriter with the determination and passion to persevere, because I believe in this story and in the honor of the real heroes that risked all for our right to write and speak our minds.

I want to acknowledge the talent at rynoceris.com for their dedication to this amazing new website, and thanks to Rene Folsom at phycel.com for my first site that was also beautiful. Thanks to Matt Remillard and Cheryl Harris for their ability to create music that inspires.

Sometimes the creation of a website, like a screenplay, is a balancing act between constructive critique and compromise, yet never compromising the vision. I do hope all who visit will come back from time to time, to see the progress and one day to read the news and the trailer of “Rebirth”, in production!