Hawaii was a dream!

Seven days, 4 people, 2 waterfalls, miles of splendid beaches and even a scuba dive in a lagoon! We went full tourist and made the most out of everyday in paradise. 

I hadn't been on Oahu since childhood, but it was the first time on the island for my travel companions Giuseppe, Niem, and Kimmy. We booked a simple AirBnB right in Waikiki and rented a SUV to escape whenever we wanted. Renting a car: key!

Hawaii is super COVID strict, so we had to travel with vaccination cards and IDs everywhere we went in case of an impromptu dine-in opportunity. My brother and his girlfriend had theirs laminated... Helpful, since between the ocean, and the intermittent rain 3-5 times per day, the threat of them getting ruined was always on my mind. I'm thinking of getting one of those plastic sleeves when we go to Italy in a few months... 

Oahu is far more beautiful than I remembered! It really is that lush. The blue of the sky is mesmerizing. The rainbows are plentiful, and the water is crystalline. Our first hike was to see Manoa Falls. The short drive there, and even the hike offer spectacular views of mountains hidden somewhere underneath mature tree tops, tall perfect palm trees, wild flowers with massive leaves and colorful blooms. 

Wish I could share everything. But now 8 months have passed. And it's all a dream I'd like to escape to some time again real soon.

Here it is! Our poster for CLING is out and published.
And to sweeten the update, I am pleased to share that CLING is just weeks away from being fully completed! Next steps? We are compiling a list of festivals to submit our short to and see about earning some awards. Have any suggestions?

I have to say--this being my maiden voyage across the filmmaking seas--I was not expecting to feel so accomplished and feel so proud of having arrived here. Here, with a nearly completed film, that I am incredibly proud of. I am proud of the script, proud of the acting, proud of the quality. Proud of my team! The journey itself has taught me so much about what it feels like to keep marching in the direction of your goals. No matter what. There were plenty of times when the voice of doubt, the voice that repeatedly told me that no one would care and no one would help, was mightier than my will. So how then did I get here? 

The team. More than anything, I learned the value of having visionary do-ers around who genuinely believe in me. When imposter syndrome threatened to kill this project before it was even fully formed, I had people checking in, asking for another draft, reminding me that deadlines were approaching, and basically just bigging me up. Priceless. More on this to come...

For today, I simply want to celebrate the release of our poster and welcome anyone who wants to get in on supporting this project through its last few stages before completion. It's not too late to donate to our crowdfunding campaign by clicking the link below. Jump on board!

​Please note: Contributions of any size are still welcomed, however, Executive Producer, and Special Thanks credits are no longer available as Thank You's, as we have pictured locked our film. All other Thank You Gifts will apply according to donation size. 

​I just can’t keep these BTS shots to myself! 

Check out these snaps of our outstanding crew and moments between scenes of CLING taken by our producer extraordinaire, Taryn. 

There’s Mel, our director, pulling together all of the pieces. Yahna, our cinematographer, behind the camera creating beautiful pictures with the assistance of Bonnie. And the lovely Liz, playing Jade’s mom. There were a total of 12 total filmmakers and crew members (7 of which were women - woohoo!) helping to bring this passion project to life. Dream. Come. True.

And if that wasn’t enough good news…

I’m thrilled to share that post-production is moving along well! Next week, I’ll see a cut of CLING for the first time and prepare for the next phase of post-production. Exciting, right?!

Here’s where you can add value to CLING! As of today, we have raised a total of $4100 in the crowdfunding campaign! Would you be willing to support CLING by chipping in $25 or more? As a token of our appreciation, donors at the $25 mark will receive a personalized Thank You and a handwritten postcard of the film poster design in early fall! Thank you in advance! 

https://gofund.me/ab5e9c9f

We are looking forward to a full completion by early fall. I’ll be sure to keep you posted! Full speed ahead!

I'm coming in hot!

Who just got new headshots, did an acting master class intensive weekend and is in pre-production for her first short film? This girl.

That's it that's the post.

But for the sake of more details, shout out to David Muller Photography and Margie Haber Acting Studio.

AND do check out our crowdfunding progress for CLING. We are just 3 short weeks away from principal photography and on our way toward our second funding benchmark of 5K! Pew Pew Pew!!!
​https://gofund.me/e5182333

Exciting things happening. And such a lesson on creating your own momentum. 

As promised… We are LIVE!! Please visit the GoFundMe Campaign page to get involved and help bring CLING, a short movie by Enisha Brewster, to fruition. 

What is CLING about?
Heartbroken and fed up, Jade, an idealistic LA-transplant, abruptly walks out on her boyfriend. On her journey through the streets of LA, the city’s transforming facade reflects her inner struggle, and eventually leads her to a final crossroads. But is she prepared to face the consequences of the path she decides to follow? 

Incentives, did you say? Why yes!
A donation in ANY amount is received with the utmost appreciation!

$5 - $24 - THANK YOU! You will receive a personalized email from Enisha and fun updates on the making of CLING.
$25 - $49 - THANK YOU! You will receive the above + a handwritten postcard with the CLING poster art in early fall.
$50 - $99 - THANK YOU! You will receive all of the above + a Special Thanks in the films final credits.
$100 - $199 - THANK YOU! You will receive all of the above + a signed 8 x14 Original Concept Art Print by Giuseppe Russo in early fall. Details will be emailed along with updates.
$200+ THANK YOU! You will receive the above + a Producer Credit on the film!

I can't say it enough! It is because of people like you who share their support which helps make dreams come true, and keeps artist like me uplifted! THANK YOU!!

Donate here:
https://gofund.me/0dd1bdb

That’s right, I’m making a movie! And tomorrow, I will be launching a crowdfunding campaign toward that end! But before I get into the ask, let me tell you about this film.

The Story:
CLING is a short film about a young woman named Jade who finds herself heartbroken, directionless, and on a spontaneous journey on foot, passing the varying facades of LA after listening to a disturbing message on her boyfriend’s phone. Anger turns to frustration as beautiful neighborhoods trigger painful memories of their past. Frustration gives way to confusion and dismay as the grittiness of LA’s streets intensifies Jade’s growing realization of her role in this dysfunctional relationship. At the crucial moment, which direction will Jade decide to take: the route that takes her farther away, or one that sends her back?
​
The Why:
​CLING is a visual appeal to anyone who has ever felt trapped in a relationship to always take one step and then another toward their peace, to never forget who they are, and to take responsibility for their happiness no matter what. It is meant to be a metaphor of the intense inner struggle that one wages as they contend with one new reality after another. And, it is an ode to the power of a mother’s love, which knows no depths and defies all distances.

Me & Cling:
​I will be starring as the lead character, Jade. Though fictional, CLING is inspired by real-life events and merges my personal experience of detangling from toxic relationships and the sometimes harsh reality of life far from home. I also drew inspiration from “lady in green”, a character from Ntozoke Shange’s Choreopoem, For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf. CLING practically wrote itself, and has served as a catharsis and an acknowledgement of a reclaimed self. Seeing this film come to fruition will be a dream fulfilled!!

The Team:
Writer, Producer, Actor - Enisha Brewster: www.EnishaBrewster.com
Director, Producer - Mel Mah: https://www.melmah.com/about
​Concept Artist, Producer - Giuseppe Russo: www.artofgiuseppe.myportfolio.com

The Ask:
Our goal is to raise $5,000 to produce this short. The funds will be used to pay the director, cinematographer and other crew, rent equipment, pay for the storyboard artist, post-production editing and score, as well as festival submissions after completion. Additional funds raised will assist in paying the supporting cast, for location and props, and other post-production costs such as colorist and poster designer fees.

Production will begin at the end of June 2021. In order to begin, we will need a minimum of $2,500. Full funding of 5,000 or greater will ensure that the short is completed beautifully and in a timely fashion. The maximum total needed is $8,000.

The Campaign will go live on May 14, 2021!!

Thank You’s
A donation in ANY amount is received with the utmost appreciation!

• $5 - $24 - THANK YOU! You will receive a personalized email from Enisha and fun updates on the making of CLING.
• $25 - $49 - THANK YOU! You will receive the above + a handwritten postcard with the CLING poster art in early fall.
• $50 - $99 - THANK YOU! You will receive all of the above + a Special Thanks in the films final credits.
• $100 - $199 - THANK YOU! You will receive all of the above + a signed 8 x14 Original Concept Art Print by Giuseppe Russo in early fall. Details will be emailed along with updates.
• $200+ THANK YOU! You will receive the above + a Producer Credit on the film!

So, what do you think? Do you want to get involved and help bring CLING to fruition? Stay tuned. Tomorrow, I’ll be posting a video here and a link to the campaign!

If you got all the way to the end of this message, I can’t thank you enough! It is because of people like you who share their support that help make dreams come true, and keep artist like me uplifted! THANK YOU!!

Warmly,
​Enisha Brewster

Listen.

You know when a black woman starts with "Listen" and ends with a period she has a strong point to make. Haha (Thanx Kev on Stage for that recent post on this. www.instagram.com/p/CDwUidDHh-f/) This has been a day of high highs and low lows. Basically, I'm 2020, as Kendrick Sampson put it recently in a widely shared IG post among my peers (https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuPaiuBIxf/). Par for the course, you know. But I am feeling like I can do anything right now. That I have all the time in the world. My growth mentality and my LIT AF life philosophy and practice of Buddhism has me believing that the impossible in most certainly possible. 

Let's take it back. Yesterday, two of my friends confessed via instagram posts that they had to let the tears flow. 2020 has been a bitch and it's not letting up. Two friends of my husband are in the depths of depression and out of no where gave 30 days notice to their landlord. They're leaving CA to go live with a relative that they already know is going to be problematic. Both of them freelance in TV production. There's no work. Another friend text me that she is climbing out of rough few days. When I asked if it was work of life related and that I was there to talk, her response was, "I'll just say it is challenging being a newly wed during a pandemic." I am just now realizing that even if she wanted to talk, it would be difficult... cuz obvi, they're stuck in the same place together. Maaannn.

Children are going back to school and the whole school goes into quarantine.
Teachers are having to change their wills.
45's man is making cuts to the post office and vote-by-mail is being threatened. Voter suppression, anyone?
45 might need a mandate to leave the White House.

And I can't exclude myself from this. On the way to the grocery store this afternoon, I was all kinds of gasp, cry, sniffle, repeat underneath my mask about the deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep pain that my people have faced in this county since we first stepped foot here. Heart palpitations today. Too much suffering. We need reparations. Tell your congress rep to support H.R. 40 - it's literally just a commission to study and develop reparation proposals! (Learn more here)

But I digress. Not really. All this is relevant!

Here's the silver lining: I just got off of an encouragement call with the national arts department of SGI - my buddhist organization -  and my faith is restored. I am determining that I will be part of a new renaissance! I am determining that in the next 10 years of my life that the words that I write, that the roles that I play, that the worlds that I help build through my art will be part of a renaissance that transforms society. And that that work will sustain and enrich my life in these specific ways: (1) I will make at least 4x as much money as I did in 2019, in each consecutive year from the first, and (2) my company will be synonymous with value-creation in my field by creating plentiful opportunities and being a platform for voices that deserve to be amplified. 

I am so excited! Because now I have a specific goal, with a specific time frame and with a solid and sustainable mission. Now all I have to do is unite with my spiritual mentor with courageous action! 

Wayne Shorter, the Jazz saxophonist and composer, at 87 years young says, "My life is in a state of zero gravity." In other words, he's still moving forward. He's defying anything attempting to keep him locked in stagnation. Here, here!

I am choosing to look at this time of 2020 as a profound opportunity to cultivate resilience, wisdom, deep compassion, and tenacious courage to Never. Stop. Moving. Forward. And to buttress this phenomenal tower of ambition, I always go back to something Ava Duvernay once said, "If your dream is only about you, it's not big enough."

What if we think of 2020 like a windup toy? Every month, every challenge, every action is just the winding key being rotated - potential energy being stored up, and once the key is released, that energy is changed into motion! Let's GOOOOO!

Lastly, KAMALA HARRIS!!! 

Last summer, I posted a Productivity Prescription as a way to give myself and other self-employed artists and entrepreneurs a thorough plan of action each day. Now in the time of this COVID-19 crisis, it seems there's never been a better time to incorporate a strategy for productivity from a holistic perspective. 

I've made only minor updates from last summer's prescription and added a downloadable Productivity Prescription Chart for weekly planning. I hope this is helpful to someone. 

H O L I S T I C •  P R O D U C T I V I T Y • P R E S C R I P T I O N

I N S P I R A T I O N (Daily, 5-30 Minutes)

• Chant, Meditate, Affirm, Read

B R E A K F A S T (Daily)

• A nutrient rich start is a must to jump start a productive day centered on healthy choices. I like granola and fruit or a Protein Superfood smoothie with banana.

M O R N I N G • P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (4 Hours, 5-6x Weekly)

• This is time to use the available daytime hours when the brain is powered up for productivity and the creative inner child is hungry for an outlet. 
• Use this time to scribble out ideas, build it, write it, have collaborative meetings, photograph, add detail to a script or plan, follow-up, reach out to new leads, try something new.
• Auditions, Rehearsals, Coaching

L I G H T • P H Y S I C A L • A C T I V I T Y (15 minutes, Daily. May be skipped on days of Heavy Physical Activity.)

• Take a break… And while you’re at it, move your body.
• Stretch those tight muscles. Do a few push-ups. Plank for 60 seconds. Cat and Cow, sun salutation, jump rope or do a couple or burpees. Or simply, take a little walk.

L U N C H (Daily)

• Because yum.

T H E • C H E C K - I N • P E R I O D (45 min, 4-5x Weekly)

• Catch up on the activity of industry leaders and mentors.
• Research the latest trends, news, data and predictions. 
• Use this time to support peers and encourage those next in line.

A F T E R N O O N • P E A K • P E R F O R M A N C E • P E R I O D (3 hours, 5-6x Weekly)

• Finishing strong preps you for the kind of consistency necessary for a productive artist life.
• Use this time to revise, add even more detail to a script or plan, get more specific, level up on goals already accomplished, analyze missed opportunities, edit, color correct, fine tune, upload, prepare prompts to head start the next Peak Performance Period.
• Auditions, Rehearsal, Coaching​

H E A V Y • P H Y S I C A L • A C T I V I T Y (3x Weekly, 45 Minutes May be accomplished A.M. or P.M.)

• Whether you're on Zoom with your favorite fitness pro, or exercising solo, committing to a lifestyle that incorporates an exercise regimen is a no-brainer these days. There’s too much supporting evidence to ignore.
• Bike, Yoga, Weight Train, Go for a run, Boxing, Calisthenics. Just Do It.
• (P.S. I know a guy who posts GREAT workout content on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yusef_brewster/

D I N N E R (Daily)

• There’s an opportunity here to finish strong with self-care.

G R A T I T U D E (5-30 Minutes, Daily)​

• Chant, Meditate, Affirm, Read
• Acknowledge a minimum of 5 things for which you are grateful.

If you find this useful or want to share ideas, please leave a comment down below!

What a time to be alive. To witness an unprecedented global pandemic in what is considered a modern world, an advanced 21st century society, has been a eye-opening experience thus far. From our worst, to our best, we human beings are revealing our latent truths.

I thought I'd use this time and space, live from my self-imposed isolation DAY 18, to reflect on a few topics: Corona & the Artist, Corona & Sickness, and Corona & Connection.

Corona & the Artist
Yesterday a friend of mine, who is one of our precious brick-and-mortar, old world, art-as-the-foundation-of-society types all but demanded that we--her circle of artist friends--create some work of art based on the times. "We have to," she emphasized. I paraphrased Nina Simone back to her: the job of the artist is to reflect the times in which we find ourselves. She added "to transform it. We are artists. That's what we must do." Agreed.

Admittedly... I was slightly less enthusiastic. For one, if there was ever a time I don't want anyone assigning me tasks I didn't sign up for, it's now. Plus, she would be the director in this outfit and I the actor... Again, being told what to do.... Nah, not right now. Now, is my time. 

But it had me thinking about what my call has been as an artist. I recognize these times when we are "Safer at Home" as one of possibility (pure potentiality - anyone?). It offers us a time for self-care, an opportunity to add to our skill set, to cultivate a creative garden. An actor friend of mine is posting monologues every week. "Actors act" he wrote in his caption. Musicians are playing on LIVE, dancers are choreographing virtually, my husband has found his way back to photoshop creating some DOPE digital art. So what is my artistic call? For now it's been a hodgepodge of a few things; but mainly, I've been called to reflect. Writing has always been my most instinctual method to reflect. We'll see what comes of it. Though more than an outcome, I want to focus on the process of putting thought to word. That's it, then. That's what it will be.

Below is the first of a Haiku poem thread I posted on twitter today (Part 1 of 4):

Corona & Sickness
So, ​I was fully accepting of my responsibility as a member of society to help mitigate the spread by keeping my ass at home. You know, flatten the curve. Not a problem. A few people I know have joked together about Quarantine not feeling so different from our normal lives. Haha. Accurate AF. 

But all joking went out of the window when I got a tickle in my throat that turned into a dry cough and a tight chest for 6 days.

My mind went there, naturally. What the *%#! 

Ihavebeenselfisolating Ihavebeenwashingmyhands Ihavedisinfectedeveryknobswitchandfacuet Doireallyhavethisfuckingvirus Howthehellamigoingtogettestediftherearenofuckingtests Maybeitsagoodthingifihaveitthenicandeveloptheantibodies Ibetternotgetsickerthanthis Whatifigetsickerthanthis Thisissomebullshit Iwillnotoverreacticanhealmyself Iamtiredofthisijustwanttofeelnormalagain Okayiamjustgoingtodoallthethings 

So I did all the things I have known, and heard, and read, and were recommended to me! And with the confidence that I am a healthy young person with a relatively strong immune system and without a fever, I marched into an ALL OUT battle with whatever the heck this was that was causing this attack. Here was my routine:

MORNING:
Vitamin C
Chew and swallow a slice of fresh ginger
Hot tea with local honey, lemon, ginger and peppermint drops
Black Seed Oil
Yoga

AFTERNOON:
Hot tea with local honey, lemon, ginger and peppermint drops
Multivitamin
Natural Cough Syrup

EVENING
Vitamin C
Hot tea with local honey, lemon, ginger and peppermint drops
Oil of Oregano
Steam! (Covered head over steaming water infused with lavender essential oil and peppermint drops)

After an honest 3 1/2 days straight of this routine... I was better. Then I was great. Now, I'm back to 100% and I could not be more grateful!! Being sick during this time was really messing with my mind. I was fighting hard not to be defeated by this, to climb out of the rabbit's hole it was sending me down. If I am being 100, 100... I feel like I experienced some mild version of this thing. Maybe, maybe not. But I can't be sure because I was never tested. So in isolation I will remain along with the rest of LA on lockdown until further notice. 

Here's a picture of ALL THE THINGS - my arsenal during the battle:

Corona & Connection
First things first:

Corona & Connection cont'd
Giuseppe and I (and Clover) got our dance on for 2 hours Saturday night. #clubquarantine was just what we needed! Beautiful experience. Then I checked back in on Wednesday night for his When We all Vote campaign with Michelle Obama and was inspired and moved that his party with a purpose resulted in 300K potential new registered voters (last I checked)!!

Get in on that: www.whenweallvote.com/dnice

This time has offered many new opportunities to connect with our communities and families. Have you? I've heard it time and time again. For me, I have talked to relatives I haven't in too long and friends that I hardly do. Shout out to Zoom!!

There's more to say here. But I think I've said enough for today. More to come...