“You mean at the ripe age of forty-five I should just sit back and retire? For God’s sake Bill, get out of my way.”
“You will regret this! I’m telling you this is insanity. Sit back and enjoy life instead of stepping back into one of the hardest industries on Earth. You make a great living just doing a couple of hours of work a week doing coaching, why this need to act in films? It’s insane Pat, especially as you could just sit back and enjoy life!”
“On the contrary, I think I’ve just woken up to sanity. And I’ll prove it to you -- I'll land a big role…oh I don’t know, within six months! A lead in an indie, or a significant role in some bigger production for film or TV.”
“You don’t need to prove anything Pat, I know you’re a great actress.”
“I’m not trying to prove anything to you, I’m doing this because it’s what I love.”
“But it will ruin you. Hollywood ruins people. You’ll never make it.”
“Six months Bill. I’m telling you, six months. Now get out of my way!”
***
As the chilly breeze continued to caress my bare arms, I was taken back to the moment and felt another kind of shiver run through me — one of hope. I was in L.A. and for the first time in years I had hope of actually creating a life I truly wanted to lead. It was my life now. My life and my future.
