This past weekend, I joined a few of my Days of Our Lives co-stars as we celebrated the grand opening of Cardio Barre Las Vegas, which was recently opened by Eric Martsolf and his wife, Lisa (you may recall a previous blog about their business). In addition to getting our butts kicked by Lisa in the workout, we also had a great time supporting our friends in their business venture and meeting some fabulous fans who came out to join in on the fun. And all of it helped raise funds for a great cause – Arrow Heart Adventure Camps.
Meeting Friends at the Barre
Stepping into Opportunity
If you’ve been reading PLANK for any amount of time, you probably know how much I’m a fan of saying YES to the opportunities life sends your way. Last week I was introduced to some really groovy shoes, and instead of just adding them to my favorite picks, I thought I’d dig a little deeper and find out what inspired these fun kicks. And what I found was one of the best examples of saying YES and figuring it out later, so I had to share!!
Raising the Barre & Chasing Your Dreams
I love Cardio Barre, and I love stories of people making their dreams come true … so this is a perfect story! My friend and cast mate, Eric Martsolf, recently moved with his wife, Lisa, and family to Las Vegas to open their very own Cardio Barre studio. I am so excited for them, and since I haven’t made it there to see it for myself (I am planning a visit), I asked them to share their story here. These two are just adorable … and more importantly I love how they are supporting each other as they take the leap on this new adventures.
Cheers to new adventures! (and if you’re in or near Las Vegas, go visit their new Cardio Barre!)
Going the Extra Mile for Love
When I thought about this week’s blog coming up to Valentine’s Day, I wanted to write something about “relationships.” What a vast and complicated topic! Then I stumbled onto this little article by Nick Seneca Jankel (pg. 7) and I thought it said so much and so clearly! I especially connected to his third option for moving forward in a relationship.
On Nov. 3 of this past year, my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary (and 35 years together), and I must tell you I don’t think we have ever been happier! Don’t get me wrong – we, like most couples, have had our ups and downs … difficult times that sometimes lasted for YEARS (or so it seemed at the time).
Enriching Lives Through the Performing Arts
As I’ve shared many times, acting is something I’ve always known I wanted to do. From my earliest days in school – where I was lucky enough to take acting and performing arts classes – to the Taco Bell job I got when I was just 14 so I could pay for my after school acting classes, I’ve always managed to find ways to pursue this love.
Finding Everyday Lovely
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting and having lunch with actress Lorraine Toussaint. It’s not surprising that – despite our similar ages, having worked in the same industry (and with some of the same people) for many years and having a TON in common – that we’d never met. But as soon as she sat down and pulled out her Eyebob glasses, I knew we’d be fast friends. And when she started sharing her vision for her new venture, Everyday Lovely, I knew this would likely be the first of many lunches.
Kindness, Respect & Friendships … the Gifts that Keep on Giving
Recently, I received a comment and question from one of our readers about parenting tips. I’ve thought a lot about that since then, and I will try to write more about my parenting journey in blogs to come. But having just returned from my annual Christmas sojourn with my best friend, Carrie, and her family, I am reminded of so many things. After spending a week with them, and seeing all of our grown kids together, what strikes me most are the traditions, love and camaraderie I see between them.
Carrie and I grew up with each other, and the comfort of her friendship has carried me for more than 40 years. When she was marrying my dear friend Marty, the former music director at Days of Our Lives, I convinced him they should move to my town. Thank goodness they took my advice!