There you have it, plain and simple. It does not, however, provide any details on how to deal when watching TV is your homework.

Currently watching many, many episodes of many, many shows and taking serious notes to write my own.

Loving it.

So in my path towards discovery as a recently dedicated writer type, I have found a passion worth putting myself through the ringer for as a next step.

Whilst still working on my second feature script at the moment, I had an epiphany about television and the respect I have for the medium – especially in these modern times where a good television show is like an amazing movie that extends for development of characters beyond what an hour and a half can imagine. Development of multi-layered people, plotlines, complications and relationships.

It’s always been one of my favourite things in the world to get in to a great new tv show and watch it with my family or specific friends, and suddenly I realised that I wanted to step forward. Be more than a consumer and admirer of the art, but to be a creator and participant for others. Be on a team of writers that get to know the rules of the story and then play, push to deadlines, move organically within a world that has been created.

And so I have signed up for a course in writing for television at UCLA, and could not be more inspired and invigorated. I’m planning to use this blog as a companion to take on my journey through this new chapter, and the plan I have for what’s ahead.

In the meantime, I had my first class last Thursday and loved every second. It was a kind of introductory class where everyone had to talk about themselves and why they were taking the course. Whilst introducing myself I thought about ‘why writing for television?’, and the question that came to me in my head was more of a ‘why has it taken me so long to figure this out? YAY’.

I LOVE this feeling. When doing an exercise during Life Coaching training on extracting values (and this is a subject I will expand upon at a later time), my core value was something I call ‘Oneness’. Or ‘One-ness’ for those who read that like I just did, and thought it looked like the name of a Greek shipping company.

The only way I know to describe how I recognise this feeling of ‘one-ness’ is that it is similar to the feeling of ‘peace’, but more invigorated, and with tingling nerve endings that make you feel like anything is possible. It’s the feeling of being in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing you should be doing at that moment.

It’s about connecting with people, a place, a thing and your place in the world – the endless possibilities ahead due to being on the exact right path. I had it when I was living in London (the whole time, bar none), I had it during every stage of the incredible building of our film school in Aqaba, And I feel this now in this new move.

To be writing everyday is a singular gift that I hope never to take for granted. Taking this leap of faith to dedicate myself here wasn’t easy, but I know it is absolutely worth it to feel the way I do today.

Combined with the creativity that has come back in to my life the last while, and the fresh autumn breeze under the trees on the grass, it was one of those moments when everything clicks in to place.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Nelson Mandela

Come September, there it is. The rumblings of excitement among peers and online about the return of your favourite shows, some that ended with an eye-blinking, jaw-dropping cliffhanger at the end of spring (think Friends in its time, The Office, Any season of Lost) .

The debate about whether a show you once loved, that has perhaps passed its best seasons, can turn things around with a comeback season that will win back its die-hard fans (Grey’s Anatomy, Glee, somewhere around Season Three of Lost).

Around town you start seeing shiny billboards hinting at new shows, such as the ones that draw you in with mysterious images of dark mystery (Revenge, Person of Interest). There are also the ones that appeal to your humour with quirky stars and catchy tag lines (Up All Night, The New Girl, any billboards that weren’t ‘Whitney’).

Being a fan of great television I will dedicate some of my time to reviewing episodes that may inspire me to put touch to keyboard. So far my notes include the following:

The New Girl: Some funny moments and we like Zoey Deschanel, though she’s a bit of a hard sell as the socially awkard geeky girl. I’ll wait and see how this goes. Though I probably won’t end up watching this regularly as I never really watch sit-coms anymore (F.R.I.EN.D.S, you stole my heart and my… cat).

This is the kind of thing where, if I was on a plane and wanting to kill time for a couple of hours, I’d give a chance and probably enjoy. It believe had the highest ratings of any CW premiere episode, ever, with over 11 million viewers. It’s hard for me to imagine that kind of audience when I grew up in a country with 3.5 million people overall.

I think most people tuned in due to the considerable adorability of Zooey Deschanel in her TV debut. Since she is one of those rare actors loved by men and women alike for being herself, I can understand the draw and wish this show a good run.

The Ringer: Millions and millions of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (including myself) have been eagerly awaiting this show just to have her back on television. And by her, I mean Buffy. Though the lines for us adoring masses that separate Buffy and Sarah Michelle Gellar are blurry enough that we just want to see her wearing awesome outfits, delivering clever one-liner scorchers and kicking serious bad guy ass.

The premiere episode was a bit soapy and expositional, I can totally understand why some people panned it. The premise of twins, one living a rich and glamorous life and one ex-drug addict who is a witness in a gang murder case, a mystery suicide, switched identities, affairs, assassins…it walks a fine line between melodrama and awesomeness. I decided to give it a fair shot as I’d like to see where it goes from here, and feel that the show creators probably have a cool arc in mind for the show that would be worth sitting in for. Second episode was better than the first, will watch this space.

The question is there though – will there be a moment where Bridgette aka Siobhan aka SMG will let loose with a flying scissor kick at a dark assassin only to find out he’s a chaos demon? Will she save the world (again) at the end of the season? Probably not. But I’m intrigued enough to give this a good go.

A brief but much deserved mention here for returning shows:

The Office: Probably my favourite show of the last year and up there in my top five of all time. After the departure of Steve Carrell, I think everyone including myself was watching this with trepid anticipation, wondering whether they’d have a good enough premiere to announce a great season ahead. And here’s where I have to give a huge round of appreciation to my favourite team, the writers, for truly getting it right.

The premiere last night had a little bit of everything we love about the show, as well as the amazing James Spader being brilliant, and the clever choice of Andy as the new boss. Can’t wait for what will come next.

Having said that, however, I’ve decided it’s fine that there was a blank between the last pots and now, since a page has turned in my life to make space for new and exciting things ahead. After moving on from some incredible experiences, I am now a full-time writer, amongst other things, and it’s the best reason in the world to make a commitment to be here and actually…well…write.

Back in Los Angeles, back on the grid, and back in action. Excited about what’s ahead.

“Today I live in the quiet, joyous expectation of good”-Ernest Holmen. You said it, Ernest.

The first thing that hit me at once were the food scents, different to the usual lunchtime aromas one expects from a little cafe or bakery. This place had a scent at first unfamiliar, and intriguing, like a mix of different savoury and sweet experiments hanging in the air. Perusing the display case and menu confirmed what the aroma had first hinted at – this place had a very original selection of items to tempt a curious foodie with.

And so, after much deliberation, I ordered from the very friendly barista, who delivered a very tasty Iced Coconut Chai latte that I sipped happily as I waited, taking photos of the finer details.

This place has a quaintness about it, with the whitewashed wood detail and mismatched cutlery. The chairs and tables are spread around in the style of an eatery somewhere on a road trip in Europe – and judging from the posters on the wall there is some connection to the Basques region.

One characteristic of the menu is that it includes a variety of unusual combinations, in the salads, soups and sandwiches available. Ingredients in combinations that are suprising and exotic and yet, curiously sensible.

Two such items that tickled my fancy were the Citrus Tomato Soup, and the Watermelon salad (a fresh summer mix of Watermelon, mint, heirloom tomato, feta, arugula, basil).

It took me ages to choose something as I was highly distracted by some items on the menu. How often is it that you see a list that includes such offerings as the ‘Lavender Duck Sandwich (Duck confit, lavender honey, onion confit, goat cheese, sprouts)’, and the ‘Burratta and Canteloupe Salad (Delicious heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata cheese, prosciutto, micro basil topped with peach balsamic vinaigrette ).

Despite the fact that I am a semi vegetarian who wouldn’t have ordered these two things, I found them satisfyingly entertaining to combine and imagine in my mind. So yes, it’s a fun menu.

The food was ready and I proceeded to take my things outside to eat at the little cafe table. There are a couple of tables inside and two outside, but I got the sense this is more a takeaway kind of place. Walking outside I felt like I was having a culinary experience rather than a quick casual lunch, and thoroughly enjoyed the combination of tastes in the fresh air on Riverside Drive.

It wasn’t long before the quiet little coffee shop started to fill up with what must be the daily lunch rush crowd. I got there about 20 minutes before people started showing up (at 1pm) and lining up in the shop and all the way outside. No wonder. I thought it was strange that a place with this much character and healthy food, in sunny Los Angeles, was so quiet on a weekday.

So there you have it folks. Sweet Salt. The address is 10218 1/2 Riverside Dr. (Between Sancola and Forman in Toluca Lake). Definitely worth checking out for a stolen moment of culinary adventure on a Thursday, or any other day for that matter.

http://www.sweetsaltfood.com

I’ve decided I want to blog more. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now.  I will be posting on this blog once a week for all the rest of 2011.

I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, awesome and wonderful. Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similiar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way.

Signed,

Claire Naber Matalqa

I am currently in the index card/outline stage of my new script. This one’s turned out to be fun so far, and I feel like the characters have somehow now become people I can’t wait to hang out with, along the way to a finished first draft. This bodes well for the long hours of writing, rewriting, occasional self-loathing and elation that lie ahead.

It’s very strange to think how these people in this screenplay didn’t exist a few short weeks ago – and it’s even more surreal (and kind of wonderful) to think that someday soon they could be walking, talking,  opinionated individuals walking around on a big screen. They could be having good conversations (I can only hope …dialogue, don’t desert me now…), falling in love, making mistakes and inspiring others.

Speaking of characters, in a bid to do some authentic research I have decided to dedicate some of my blog to character immersion. My main heroine in this film is a young woman who is a restaurant/food critic, and since I know nothing of that world (besides my admiration for the film Ratatouille), I decided to start reviewing restaurants myself in the lead up to the drafts ahead. I started a couple of weeks ago, and I’m already intrigued about how it changes the details you look for, and notice.

First review to come shortly! The other main character happens to be a paparazzi photographer. Though I’m not sure I’m really in the serious research leagues of climbing trees to peer in to celebrity gardens.

In the meantime, I’d like to dedicate a special mention to the lesson of the day. It was inspired by realising that, despite my best intentions, I have several half-finished blog entries saved in Word Docs on my desktop, instead of living their glorious life as blog posts in cyberspace.

When I saw this clearly it was time to ask myself the question, why am I hesitating? The answer lay within this quote that I found today – sometimes the perfect words appear just when your mind is drawing a blank.

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” – Anna Quindlen

My hesitation thus far has been because of the simple fear that each thing I write must be a thing of perfection, a thing of beauty, something that represents me fully. And then I realised very suddenly that, in not doing anything at all, I will never travel the path that leads me to this becoming, this flawed perfection that is my writing and my self.

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

First Row, Harry Potter Style

I had prepared earlier in the evening by taking a very oddly timed nap at about 8:30 or 9pm. That little uncharacteristic move sent my brain’s neurons tingling with curiousity. “What’s with the oddly timed nap?”, I could hear my mind asking, pulling on my mental sleeve very much in the manner it had those times as a child, when my brother and I had agreed to sleep in preparation for a special family late night outing or event. Ones that spring to mind at this moment include travel to Australia from Jordan, and heading to the airport in the middle of the night to go to Oz for Christmas, going to watch the 1998 World Cup Final between Brazil and France at a shady after-hours Italian pub in Perth with my mum and brother, and even going to midnight candle-lit mass on Christmas Eve at the historical biblical site of Mount Nebo.

I don’t know what it is about this feeling that makes things a bit more magic, but there it is. The best example I get of that regularly is from jet lag after travel, the kind that makes you wake up at 4am – where you’re so wide awake you can watch a movie and then watch the sunrise, knowing the rest of the world is more or less fast asleep. It just adds some kind of feeling like all normal rules are off, like you’re on vacation from regular time and that means that, for that moment in time, anything can happen.

The Concessions Wizard of Griffyndor

So back to last night, we headed out at about 11pm and got there to large crowds of excited fans. There were witches, warlocks and lots of boarding school kids all dressed up, and the excitement was palpable amongst the crowd of all ages as we piled in to theatre 1, for the screening at 12:01. There’s something about a movie shared experience, where everyone gets dressed up and goes all out, that brings this shared joy and excitement for life that’s just incredibly contagious. You can see it in different things like sports events, especially worldwide ones, but there is just something about a world wide huge event movie that moves the spirit in a way that makes you feel united with everyone.

It’s knowing that all over the world around the same time people were dressed in Harry Potter glasses, holding ‘enchanted’ brooms, wearing stripey scarves and waving magic wands. All over the world, people were cheering and clapping during a movie where they ‘got’ the in jokes and celebrated the triumphant return of the good guys, as well as the demise of evil and he shall not be named – or Valedomort. As Maggie Smith brilliantly said: ‘Oh you might as well say his name, he’s most likely going to kill you anyway”.

Not a bad way to spend a Thursday night, I reckon. So goodbye, Harry. Thank you for the years of magical midnight screenings.

Connectedness, Breakthroughs, Magic, New Friends, Spending Time in Venice By the Sea, Mental and Emotional Openness.

I don’t have words to describe what I have discovered fully here, which is a rare thing for me. But safe to say I’m making memories with others that I won’t forget any time soon, and learning new ways to help people on a level I think is just nothing short of a real gift I am grateful to accept.