Sunday, December 29, 2013

Goodbye 2013

There's a lot to be said about 2013. I would like to recap. 


For one, I can't mention 2013 without mentioning 2011. I know that I'm skipping a year, but you'll understand why in a second.

NADINE'S QUICK 2011 RECAP:

At the start of 2011, I  set my goals to work in films. I had no idea if that would happen, I just decided that it was time. I seem to have the gift of knowing when the "right" time is for me in most cases. It usually begins with an inkling. I begin to imagine it as something I am capable of doing and then I "check in" to see if I'm ready. You would think that I would just spurt out a big fat "YES I AM READY!" but I'm no dummy and I rarely fool myself. If I'm not ready, I'm just not ready.

Before 2011, I didn't feel ready to do films. Even while I was working as an actress on TV, I still didn't feel ready. It was the weirdest thing, I would get a film audition and I would be pissed off and find a way to avoid going. I'd throw a fit, I would cry, I would call my agent and say I was "sick".  I was very frustrated with myself then. I really wanted to psych myself out, but I knew I had some inside work to do before I felt sure with myself that I could handle it. Long story short, life did its thing and I had to learn some personal lessons. I gained gravitas and experience with the curve balls the universe was throwing at me and I got a divorce from my ex-husband which really catapulted me into the realm of "shit to work with". My transition from girl to woman was in full effect and by 2011, I felt "READY!"

Around October 2011, a turning point happen. Something that had NEVER happened to me before, I met with a legendary film director, Robert Zemekis. One day later, I met with a legendary actor, Denzel Washington. Three days later, I was offered an important part in a great film called "Flight" working with both Robert and Denzel. Did that change my life? I have to say yes. Yes it did.





Two weeks after, I auditioned for a film opposite Dwanye Johnson (aka THE ROCK) and I also was offered the part for that film, "Snitch". I knew this was a sign from the man upstairs named GOD that I was at least being heard and that maybe…just maybe…I was supposed to be an actress after all.



yep. he's hot.



This feeling of being "ready", I discovered, came from the decision to share more of my human experience with the world and to channel it into acting. By the time 2012 rolled in (as slowly as it did), I knew there had to be a pay off somewhere for me…..I just didn't know when or where. I waited semi-patiently. Keeping myself busy with life and learning my lessons as best as I could as a semi-happy learner. I made necessary adjustments in my life and heart, all the while preparing myself for when hard work meets opportunity. I worked on my acting and my attitude and by the time 2013 rolled in, I had prepared myself mentally to go in deeper than I ever had and to show up strong and confident but most of all, humble and honest.

I embraced myself and my flaws as best as I could. I embraced my vulnerability, my age, my brokenness, my craziness, my fears and my longings. I embraced them all and couldn't wait to share them just because my heart was oozing to share and connect. I set my goals on growing more into a WOMAN. By the end of January 2013,  I had a new assignment, MAJOR CRIMES. It is the best role I've had on TV. It's has been an opportunity to go deeper and tap into my stillness, my discipline, my hard ass-ness and I can't even tell you how thankful I am for that. The experience with the cast and the talented directors who give me their expertise on the show has been remarkable. Every episode, I feel like I grow a little more into myself and as the character I portray. It has made me grow up.

amazing cast and friends.



love how determined and serious Emma is.

I get yelled at a lot. 

Additionally in 2013, I got to show a crazy side of myself as a recurring character on BET's Real 
Husbands of Hollywood. It has been the most free I've ever been playing comedy. I went into that with no inhibitions and really intent on exploring a side of myself I have never shown publicly--the crazy Puerto Rican. haha! 






My friends who know me well know that I'm capable of being just like the NADINE I got to play on Real Husbands. Just as my sister said to me when she first saw my role on Major Crimes, "that's YOU!".  I can honestly say that I am finally tapping into deeper parts of myself and sharing it in my work.

 In 2013, I also bought my first home. I am proud of that for reasons I won't get into now, but it's a milestone that marks my victory as an independent woman. Ever since I was a little girl, that's all I ever wanted to be: an independent woman. :) it's a great feeling. 

I know this photo has nothing to do with buying a house but I look strong in it so, boom.


Other achievements in 2013: my boyfriend and I are now living together. It's a big deal for us. I'm proud of us both for this next step.
aww. our family :)

Also in 2013,  I feel less like a recluse in life and I've been more social and open, which is a big step in the right direction because I am painfully shy and awkward when meeting new people. It takes a lot of work for me to stay open socially when gathered with more than two people and most of the time I'm exhausted with the effort but, I've been doing pretty good. Not great, just pretty good.  Also this year, I've successfully expanded my work in film. I worked on 3 of them! They are all independent films but the roles have been stronger than ever in my history of films (which isn't very extensive). I worked with the awesome and funny director of "Barbershop" Mr. Mark Brown in a film called "Sharon123" and  I worked with actor Scott Reid in a film called, "Sister" and I did my first heavy dramatic role in a film called, "Clarity". I can't wait for the release so that you can all see. I also learned how to gift wrap properly, keeping the corners crisp and all. No more wrapping gifts with corners that look like a cat tore into them. Also, when my dog Kiki got sick this year for about 3 consecutive weeks, I kept her hydrated by filling a syringe with water and forcing it down her throat when she refused to get up and hydrate herself. I kept her out of the hospital that way and I felt like an Earth momma who trusted her instincts to keep her baby alive! She's happy and healthy now. My little Kiki.

These are my 2013 highlights. I will kick-start 2014 with a guest starring role in Sophia Vergara's new TV show called "Killer Women"which airs January 7th on ABC

 and I will be going back to work on Real Husbands of Hollywood in January as well as Major Crimes in March. So far, my 2014 is starting off alright. Would love to hear about your milestones. :) 


HAPPY NEW YEAR!







12 comments:

  1. well, you sure have come a long way I'm going a lot farther when God is in your past there's no stopping you I love doing My Name Is Earl I love you even more now god bless

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  2. Great post Nadine! It has been great to watch your career take off. Wishing you continued success in 2014 and beyond!

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    1. how great! thank you for reading :))) happy new year

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  3. Well now…Nadine Velazquez! What a treat to read this...TY insomnia!

    Honestly a pleasure to read what a heart pours out on the page when inspiration meets true desire to communicate in all forms. This blog feels less like “summing up the past” and more like you are coming out…STRONG. You must realize just how much of an INFJ you sound like. That exhaustion you feel "MAY" be the reality most any introvert feels when they spend their energy. (I say “MAY” because obviously I don’t know U, and I could just be typing utter nonsense) Extroverts gain energy in crowds, introverts spend energy on people they trust and/or reach for, and then they need to go find a quiet place to charge back up. If that hits you, then embrace it. Introverts do not become extroverts…They just learn to manage their valuable energy. Anyway...I wanted to say that somewhere in this comment because your blog grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go.

    So…Thanks for that inspiration.

    This IS a powerful time for you, and I love the words you choose for your expression of gratitude. You know well enough to be thankful, but are respectful enough of yourself and your talent to harness the credit you absolutely deserve for taking charge. A fine line is walked indeed. Hard work does meet helpful people.

    Best of it all…personally and professionally. Thanks for spending your valuable energy writing these thoughts.

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  4. You've had a great year and good luck in your hew home :)

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  5. Congratulations! you were born to do this and you will have more blessings to come, may the lord's favor be upon you in everything you do!!!

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  6. It's an inspiration to see someone "turn the corner", to evolve, mature and realize their own uniqueness. Your sincerity is both stunning and refreshing. You remind me how our "milestones" are mainly about embracing the person we are and how sometimes we even 'hide' things from ourselves. It's up to us to seize the time and circumstance to grow, to shed our fears, anxieties and inhibitions. It's an ongoing process, and you're providing a fine example. My own milestones mostly come in bits and pieces, learning new perspectives from the people I meet. People i may or may not ever see again. People, your surroundings, the situations you're confronted with…they tell you a lot about yourself, if you open to it. Keep growing, keep exploring. We're all better off for it :)

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