111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 59: My Unexpected Journey
“I’m going on an adventure,” Bilbo Baggins declares in the film THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. That declaration struck a chord with me the first time I saw the movie (Yes, I admit that I never read the book on which the films are based. Bad English major, bad!) and left me slightly jealous of the fictional Shire resident.
While in the midst of my own adventure into a world of fantasy, magic, and unique characters *waving hi to Los Angeles* I stumbled upon a moment of synchronicity – the LA premiere of the third and final Hobbit film: THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you are aware of my employment path towards an artistic career. If not, here’s a brief summary: I am a creative writer, seeking full-time employment, with a strong passion for and interest in the film/TV/theatre industries. This recent trip to the West Coast was not only an opportunity to spend time with family but also to do to some career research. As such, I took a studio tour in Burbank and chose to spend my last non-busy day in a place that’s entertainment focused – Hollywood & Highland.
After shopping, tourist picture-taking, and having lunch with my sister and her two young boys, we decided to wait around for the premiere. I mean, when would I have an opportunity like that again? In the near future, that is. Once the time got closer, we found a spot along the barricaded black carpet to watch the arrivals as they approached the long steps that led to the Dolby Theater.
By 6 o’clock, the film’s stars started down the carpet – most stopping to take selfies with fans and sign autographs. Towards the end of the evening, the highly popular actors & actresses stopped as much as possible before their team and/or security ushered them towards the theater. Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom did their best to sign and take pictures while being pushed along. As the last person to walk the carpet, Orlando went halfway up the staircase, stopped, turned, and waved to the onlookers below.
The highlight of the evening and the award for most generous celebrity goes to…Andy Serkis. Beloved among the fans for his brilliant portrayal of Gollum and Smeagol, Serkis took the time to walk up one side of the carpet then come back around the other side. He approached my nephews and smiled, reaching out a hand to the youngest boy. “What’s your name?” he asked. He then shook the hand of my elder nephew and asked the same question. The moment was brief yet memorable, hopefully not only for me but for the boys too.
The day was busy and much longer than we expected when we left the house earlier that day. The boys were tired but very well behaved and my oldest nephew declared genuine excitement in the event.
Being part of such an exciting adventure was a fitting way to end my California trip and re-invigorated my goal of working in the entertainment industry!
*No endorsement by anyone associated with the film implied.*
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 52 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
Kelly Deeny 