Tribal Portrait

Tribal Portrait

  So for those of you who don't know, I have been taking a Graphic Arts class and I LOVE it!  

In last poll on my blog a lot of you said that you would like to start seeing more of my everyday life.  

On this blog you will now find my original designs! 

Here's a self portrait I made yesterday on the snow day.  It's inspired by my Kala makeup in Tarzan! 

Take a Risk

It's really scary to take a risk that leads you into the unknown.

  Sometimes all you can do is make the next right decision for you. I know taking a risk is a very scary thing.  Recently I have had to make some major risks in my life. Some risks are way bigger than others.  Worries and anxieties can arise if you are feeling unsure as to the coarse of action you should be taking.  Just try to come from a loving place of trying to do what's right for you at this time.  You are worth happiness.  If something isn't working for you, accept it, and make a change.  You will honestly thank yourself for it later in life.  

  Sometimes in life we get stuck in a flow of patterns.  Every day becomes a routine.  Routine can be good, but sometimes routine prevents us from pursuing opportunities  we didn't know were in store for us.  By taking even a small risk, we may be opening a door we didn't know was out there.  Risks can lead to amazing things in life.  If I never took a risk in telling my best friend how I felt about him, than we wouldn't have the amazing relationship that we have now. 

   Taking a risk most often mean doing something outside of your comfort zone.  Comfort zones only grow by trying new things.  Here's a personal goal that you can easily give yourself.  Try doing one thing a day that takes you slightly out of your comfort zone.  Whether it's saying hello to a new person (every friend started out as a stranger to you).  Try pushing yourself little by little each day.  It will ultimately make taking bigger risks a little less scary.  You will have more confidence in yourself for the bigger risks if you've already mastered small risks that take you out of your comfort zone. 

    Risks can be scary, but they help us grow.  Not only do we grow...but we learn.  Learning is the most important thing we can do for ourselves in life.  

 Take a risk this week,

 don't be afraid,

Holly 

Gone but Never Forgotten

Rest in Paradise Mrs. Roarty

   This past Saturday heaven gained a beautiful angel, Carrie Roarty. 

     Today was a very sad day for the James River Rapids.  To many we lost a teacher, to some we lost a friend, to others we lost a coach, but to all we lost a wonderful and caring woman.  Whether you spoke with Mrs. Roarty one time or a thousand, her impact and warm smile could brighten up your day, and to some, your whole life.  Those who really knew her well say that she was the most kind, caring and generous woman they had ever met.  But you didn't have to know her well to feel her loving, radiant energy, or to feel the power of her smile.  

     Though I did not ever know her personally, I have clear memories of seeing her bright ora in the hallways.  She would always pass everyone with a smile and a friendly hello.  As a student it's always very refreshing to see a teacher who always looks happy to be at school.  It's hard sometimes for teachers to wake up early, come into work and feel happy and refreshed.  Mrs. Roarty was definitely a teacher who loved, whole-heartedly, what she was doing.  She invested endless hours of her time to her passions, teaching and coaching.   

   I sadly do not know her whole story, so I'm not even going to try to pretend I know what she went through.  All I know about her is what I've heard from my fellow Rapids who knew, loved, and adored her.  Even though I personally wasn't her student, I believe she embraced and looked at the entire student body as her students.  All 2,000 of us where her children.  What a wonderful thing.  

  Although she passed this Saturday, I know that she lives.  She lives in the ways that really matter.  She lives in the hearts of her friends, and her family.  She lives in the memories of her students.  She lives whenever you think of how she influenced your life.  She lives when you walk through the hallways or the door into her classroom.  Her spirit lives on.  

   

We love you Mrs. Roarty. 

We will always remember you. 

Opening Night

OPENING NIGHT

    Last night was FINALLY opening night for James River High School's TARZAN the stage musical.  It was such a success! I say "FINALLY" because due to weather conditions everything was delayed.  It was difficult because since we are a school theatre group the county determines whether or not we can do our show.  Since there were icy conditions they cancelled school and after school activities Tuesday and Wednesday which meant we lost tech rehearsals and the dress rehearsal.  Then Thursday (which was supposed to be our opening night) was cancelled as well.  The cast was devastated that the show could not happen as scheduled.  As Friday rolled around our spirits were lifted when school was cancelled but after school activities could still happen! Everyone in the cast and crew were blasting out on social media that the show was still on! Then as we were about to leave for the theatre they cancelled the show.  By Friday the run of our show was supposed to be almost over.  Now here we were Friday and we haven't even started! 

   Saturday night was still on! So that became our opening night.  Not only did we have Saturday but we added Sunday night, and Monday night!   As actors we just had to go with the flow.  The only worries we had was not having a large audience.  We thought that maybe because it had been cancelled so many times that no one would show up.  Lucky for us when we stepped out on stage there was a great big audience who was ready to cheer us on! 

  We had a great show and really proved that we could handle anything! Including only one full tech rehearsal and no final dress.  I am SO proud of my cast and crew! We have worked so hard and we didn't let a little bad weather stop us! Opening nights are always a blast and I cannot believe we made it to that point! 

   Here's to a great two more shows! We got this! Tarzan family forever.

"Put your faith in what you most believe in.

Two worlds, one family. Trust your

heart, let fate decide.  To guide these lives we see."

 

Pep Rally

"TARZAN CAST STUNS JAMES RIVER 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT TODAY'S 

PEP RALLY! "

    Today the cast of James River High School's Production of TARZAN got the chance to perform "Son Of Man"at the Pep Rally!  This has NEVER been done before.  Pep rallies are typically to show off sports, the dance team and the cheering squad.  Pep Rallies are supposed to be entertaining and TARZAN is the definition of entertaining!  What I really like about JRHS is that the student body seems to support many groups! The chorus always gets loud applause once they sing the national anthem, and no one can deny how great a job the band does pumping us up! Since those groups are being represented at the pep rally... why can't theatre? Right?

    We are SO happy that today we had a chance to promote our show which is less than a week away!  But with that happiness came some apprehension.  How would the students take to seeing something new?  Would they laugh at us?  Would they make fun of us?  I personally had faith in the student body.  I knew that they would love our performance.  Tarzan is a story from our childhood since the movie came out when were little kids!  I had faith that the James River Rapids would treat us with the same respect and admiration they treat every other group! 

   Luckily I can say I was RIGHT!  When we ran out to the center of the gym and started jumping up and down being gorillas the crowd ERUPTED! They could not believe how cool we looked!  The positive energy they gave off just fed into my performance!  I felt so confident and fierce! I was doing my thaaang! It just made me feel so great about the work we've accomplished.  It just really made me happy that me, a girl who can be quiet in classes, doesn't have a reputation, a girl who not a lot of people know very well, could go out on that court with her fellow theatre kids and perform.  Not only perform but KICK-ASS!  

   This was such a great way for everyone to get excited and hopefully come see our actual show! 

This was only a preview guys! The whole show is great and definitely worth coming to see! 

If you were in that pep rally today, THANK YOU! 

You were so supportive and we look forward to seeing you at the real show!

January 23,24,25 at 7:30pm

Love,

     Holly 

Fried Food & Friends

"Sometimes all you need is fried food 

and friends" - A quote by Holly Rice (a.k.a me)

   Today after rehearsal my best friends Lydia, Ray and I were starving. So naturally we started craving Cook Out (if you haven't been there don't just walk...RUN!).  We usually don't go out to dinner after rehearsal because as Ray says, "nuh-uh dat's tew expensive" (inside joke).  But today was special for some odd reason so we thought, what the heck! 

   On the way there Ray BLAAAASTED Kinky Boots (Broadway show about Drag Queens... yes.. I said it) in the car.  My poor ears are still recovering.  Now I think I know why Ray can't hear sometimes.  Once we got to Cook Out Ray and I realized we still had our Tribal Tarzan make-up on.  Let's just say we got a lot of stares.  But Hey! We're theatre kids and we don't care! (picture is included below!) It was just really nice to do our own thing together and have a spontaneous moment.  

   Not to mention Cook Out is dangerously good and SO cheap! Ray always knows his whole meal will come to $5.84.  

   I love my friends and since Ray is leaving us come spring, (graduation... don't worry he's not dying) I want to create as many memories as we can.  Even though it wasn't much, today was just really nice. 

  Love you guys!

        Holly 

car selfie with our tribal fierce make-up on

TARZAN!

TARZAN

The Stage Musical!
Adapted from the Disney Movie! 

James River High School January 23,24,25 @7:30pm!

    For months the talented Theatre on the James Drama group of James River High School have been working on this wild and adventurous musical, TARZAN.  Every Tuesday-Friday from 2:15-5:00 our cast has been learning, rehearsing and running this show that has turned out to be amazing! Mondays were dedicated to the fabulous crew team who built the entire set and all the props involved! (CREW ROCKS!)

   Tarzan is the age old tale of a human orphan rescued and raised by gorillas!  His gorilla mother, Kala (played by me) and best gorilla friend Turk (Nikhil Anzola) teach Tarzan to become an ape!  Tarzan grows up to be this amazing ape-man but his world is soon shattered when British scientists find their way to the jungle.  He discovers what it means to be a human man and on the way he learns to fall in love with the beautiful and bright, Jane Porter! 

  This musical is the definition of FUN! From dancing and singing gorillas, to intense leopard fight scenes, to the amazing up-beat live band, this show is a CANNOT MISS for all ages! 
With all of our hard work we do NOT want to perform for empty chairs! So we are making it our mission to bring as many people as we can!  We think this is possible because many people have a personal connection to the story, and the Disney Movie.  

Come see US!!! 

TARZAN THE MUSICAL 

James River High School

January 23,24,25 @7:30 pm! 

Tickets are sold at the door!

$5 for students and $10 for adults! 

  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsVE9PCdS4U&list=UU2wishdOe8jQr2P_d4fX0Ng&feature=c4-overview

Healing Vibes

        If you, or someone you know is in need of any healing, whether physically or mentally, try sending them what I like to call "Healing Vibes".

       I've always been taught, attending Unity Church, that we have the divine power to create our realities.  We do this by the way we think.  Have you ever heard the saying "Our thoughts are prayers, so we are always praying"? Well it's true! Even if you have no religious affiliation your thoughts are being projected to the Universe. The positive vibes we send out to the universe always make their way back to us.  However, thinking negative thoughts do nothing but add to the stress of whats causing you pain.  

     If you are the person in need of healing, whether from a sickness or a break-up, try saying a positive affirmation to yourself!  By affirming to yourself that you are 100% healthy, whole, and happy, it will ultimately be true and make you feel refreshed! 

     Now if you're not the person who directly needs the healing, send what I like to call "Healing Vibes".  Whenever I scroll through my twitter feed or my facebook newsfeed and I see a friend of mine posting about how sick they are, instead of saying "get well soon" I comment something like "sending you healing vibes.  I see you being 100% whole and healthy!"  By saying that you already see either yourself, or your friend, in 100% health than you are visualizing the reality you want to create for yourself. 

    I find this is really helpful and I hope you take away something from this posting!

I see each and every single one of you in healthy great spirits! 

With endless love and support,

     Holly

Congrats Ray!

   This blog post is dedicated to one of my best friends, Ray Dudley! I simply have to write a blogpost about how proud I am of him for following his dreams! 

   Yesterday he recieved the news that he got into his DREAM SCHOOL! The school he's been telling me all about since my freshman year (his sophomore year).  What school is this you ask? Well, only the one and only AMDA (American Music and Dramatic Arts)! Where he will pursue his passion of performing arts! 

   I strongly believe in following your dreams in life even if people tell you they are impossible. I couldn't be more proud of Ray for taking risks to achieve his dreams.  I will miss him when he's in New York next year but hopefully I will not be too far behind! 

 WAY TO GO RAY!!!!!!! I love you and I am always going to be here supporting you! (And following your career!) 

Love you bunches! 

Noah

    I always get a little aprehensive writing about my blessings in life. But then I remind myself that it's okay to realize the blessings you have. Everyone has blessings, sometimes people are just blind to theirs.

     Today I am feeling so grateful for my boyfriend Noah.  I don't want to be "that girl" who always talks about her boyfriend, but mine really is my best friend. And if others can write about their best friends then I should be able to also.  

    The fact that I found someone who understand me and all my craziness is a miracle to say the least. When life takes surprising twists and turns, he is right by my side, supporting me and wanting what's best.  I just really hope I'm giving him the same in return.

    Sorry to get all mushy I just really feel like I should acknowledge how wonderful he's been to me and how happy I am with him. 

   

Better than a Resolution

This year I have no resolution for myself.

       This year I have decided that I am not going to give myself a New Year's Resolution.  We all know on some scale that they are overrated and usually we never stick to them (but congrats to those who do).  So this year I am not going to have a resolution, but rather a continued mind-set.  A mind-set that I have had this year and I want to carry with me the rest of my life.

       This year I am going to continue on my path of positive expressions of light and love. With all the social media we are on (don't get me wrong I love social media and want to study it in college) it is sometimes hard not to engage in negative behaviors such as tweeting a complaint, or a commenting a judgement.  It is very easy to say "oh I won't get involved with that mess", but sometimes people drag you into it, and when your ego gets in the way it can be very hard not to "fight" back.  My advice is to just stay true to who you are and never loose sight of your core morals and values.  Have the mind-set to be positive and only spread love. 

      It gets to be exhausting having a negative voice in your head 24/7.  Saying to yourself  "I'm not worthy of ______", or, "If only I wasn't so 'lazy,fat,stupid,slow,short,ugly'" or, "This person is against me".  It's a waste of energy feeling those negative feelings.  Mind-sets are habits.  It's so easy for people to get dragged into negative habits.  This year instead of beating yourself down, try lifting yourself up with positive thoughts and actions!  Whether it be as simple as standing in front of a mirror and practice telling yourself you are loved.  This year make a conscious effort to be positive to yourself and others. 

       Just be nice.  It's that simple.  Smile to people you see around town, whether you know them or they are a perfect stranger to you.  Believe it or not, you're actually not "awkward" when you smile at people.  A smile really goes a long way and you can brighten up someones mood.  Who wouldn't want to brighten up someone's day?!

      So this year I am going to continue my practice of having the right mind-set.  A positive mind-set that will help attract the positive opportunities I envision for myself this year.  When it comes down to it, the universe gives us what we put out.  

I believe this is better than any New Year's Resolution.

Love always,

       Holly 

Friendship Support

"One of the Most Beautiful Qualities of True Friendship is to Understand 

and be Understood." 

         In a crazy world sometimes all you need is some quality time with your best girl friends! 

It's so nice to surround yourself with the people who understand your weird quirks and laugh at the things you think are funny.  My wish for everyone is to find the right people who'll accept you completely.  True friends are there for you always, unconditionally and they want what's best for you.

        An interesting thought came up when my two best friends and I were having a sleepover the other night.  We were watching the TV show "My Strange Addiction" and this woman was looking for support from her two girl friends on an unnecessary breast implant procedure that could potentially risk her health.  When her friends were against it, the woman got angry at them and said "You don't support me!" 

       This led my friends and I to talk about how "friends supporting you" and friends "telling you what you want to hear" are two very different things.  Friends who truly support you may not support  decisions they think aren't best for you.  True friends want you to be happy, safe, and healthy always.  Remember this next time you aren't satisfied with your friends response to news you share.  Maybe they are just looking out for your best interest.  Support doesn't mean agreeing with everything one does. 

        I am so grateful to have such supportive friendships in my life!  It's an amazing feeling getting to be goofy with your best friends!  My wish for everyone is that they find people who accept them completely with unconditional love and support!