Ally Matteodo: Actor in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Thank you April and Raouf.

Can't wait to get back to work, so much to do, but doctors say no, have a level 3 concussion, shoulder, ribs and back injuries, still, I love this business, just want to get back to work. do, Working Hard To Get there.

I'm looking forward to the next meeting, I haven't attended any meetings yet. Sorry about your car accident.

Thank you so much. Your post illuminates the path of possibilities.

Thank you, all! With all my pleasure. If we all bring a little hope it adds up. Be well. Stay safe!

Thanks for sharing your kind and lovely words Mihaela! Take care.

Thank you Ally! Best of luck in your career. :)

Zedrick, your blog is most inspiring and is definitely written by someone who is strong and focused. If I may tell you my story? And perhaps you can use it in a class you give or take. Who knows? I am born a Scot (no Scottish accent) and came to this country in 1965 intent on building myself a career. I had been an actor in my youth (16-18 years) and was trained in the old English "Repertory System" where one did 40 plays a year. One performed the play at night one had rehearsed the previous week, and during the day, rehearsed the play one would do the following week. As a young man, I received of course few parts but those were all great. In addition though, I did weeks of props, scenery, set-up, strike, stage management, lighting, everything.....................and "prompter." In those days, we had a person in the wings who followed the script in case someone dried (went up on their lines.) I wanted to go to The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London but my Father would not permit it as Fathers could in the 50s. So I went in to his industry - the hospitality industry - graduating from L'Ecôle Hôtelière de la Société Suisse des Hôteliers (Hotel School of the Swiss Society of Hoteliers) in Lausanne, Switzerland. On moving to the States, I worked my way up ending in my last position as CEO of a small hotel company. Having had a major run in with my Chairperson (one of the most unhappy people I ever met), she summarily fired me at the age of 58 1/2. Being protected by the over 40 law, we settled out of court but at that age no one would hire me - too old? not young enough? not up on the youthful modern ways? too set in my ways? Gonna retire soon? Gonna die soon? Who knows? So I consulted for a couple of years (hated it); worked as an independent contractor for FEMA aiding those in trouble due to hurricanes for four seasons (Enjoyed helping those in trouble but hated the living conditions and the 20 hours daily of work.) One day, my lovely and devoted wife came to me and said: 'Jim, you are the most miserable SOB I have ever met. Why don't you go and do what you have always wanted to do?" So I did! I studied acting, voice and dance for three years privately - and did as much amateur theatre and movie making as I could find. In 2006, I went to my first professional audition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference - got the gig and have been working ever since. That gig was Henry Albertson in "The Fantsticks" My wife says I am back to being the man she married. I have never been so happy in all of my 75 years. Break a leg! http://www.jimfrance.com

@Jim I love this story. It's true it's never too late to start on a dream or rekindle the fire of a forgotten passion. I'm so glad for you and more power to you! You break legs!

thanks dear i am happy that my story can some one direct in a right way and get inspired as well! God Bless!

Janna, you inspire me. My brain is wired similarly to yours. Began as a letter, but more of a Never To Be Sent Letter, more like an outpouring that had to be vented for I didn't know what else to do with all this information and so many feelings attached to it. Like you, i wasn't sure anyone would care, much less read it. But the story itself kept insisting on being told, voices and images in my head, pressing me to just Do It. From a letter, I converted it into a script, thinking there wasn't enough for a book. I was wrong. Now I need to expand it into a book and/or a TV series rather than limit it. And the journey, though not a transcontinental adventure, is way outside my comfort zone, like yours. It is exhilarating yet terrifying at once, all the unknowns. Wish I had resources to be a producer partner with you, but for now can only offer heartfelt admiration and perhaps a spare tire when you need one. Best of luck.

Thank you Ally. The world (and us) can only grow by challenging what is accepted norms. There will be failure, but more often then not there will be growth. I intend to grow, but I am also willing to fail.

Ally, I'm glad you liked it. Dawn

Great article, Dawn. I'm happy to say that you don't have to be a woman to find your story inspiring! I'm glad that someone who's actually been in the thick of it is addressing this issue. Hope it inspires more creative filmmakers of the female persuasion. Congrats.

Thanks Ken, I'm glad you found it inspiring.

Ally! Thank you for even reading my story! Definitely wouldn't want to relive that but it served its purpose. I remember making a vow to stick to those 3 E's. And now it's finally coming to life! Thank you again for your words of gratitude!!

Thank you, Ally! Early on I realized how afraid people were with going after dreams and desires and it made me want to pursue mine even more. I think about that patron now and again. Did he wake up? Did he find something to do that he loved? Who knows. But we did. And really, published or produced or not, we're doing what we love. Grateful for your comment. xoxo

Thanks for the support, Ally. It's been years since someone cheered me up, since college, when my creative writing professor told me "keep writing."

Always love your positive outlook, Ally! Let's keep this train rolling!

Hi Ally. YAY! I'm glad you're inspired. We all need that "kick-in-the-pants" from time to time -- and to be reminded that we really don't suck. :) Thanks for weighing in.

Thanks, Ally. Any time I have the chance to share the successes our members have experienced through networking or taking webinars or classes on this platform is a gift. We're on a mission to unite and educate creatives all over the world.