Awareness Project Update, Independent Big Step & Seeing Things from a Different Perspective

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. This week was filled with a huge update on my awareness project, some developments in my independent skills and a lesson I learnt whilst doing a casual read. So without further ado, here is what I got up on the week commencing 13th January:

Professional:

Acting class:

This week in my acting class I continued with looking at some scenes from gladiator but not before doing some warm up games one of which was Buzzy Bees. I feel like I’ve done well with my scene and I do have a lick of the bunch to choose from. I’m not sure how to edit it so the last scene fits in with my best take but when there’s a Will, there’s a way. And I will find that way. 

Passion show update:

This week I managed to get a date and venue booked for my Passion show for Autism Acceptance Week. This was a huge step, as then it's one step closer to my project on this important week to raise awareness for those who have been affected by autism. The only thing I'm slightly worried about was how many people would attend, but there was something I read which Paul Chuckle said (which is what I've actually learnt this week and I'll mention it at the end of the blog), and it made me realise that even if we get a small audience in, its better than nothing. Here are some pictures of the venue in question and the link to my JustGiving page to see all the details and also make a donation, but be sure to say if you're able to attend or not, just so I can get numbers.

Passion Show: http://www.justgiving.com/lucymoon-677a9cf0d844585dd4428029

Film Festival circuit:

This week I got my short film "Unmasked" submitted for two more incredible film festivals, one of which was a festival where a short film I saw back in July was submitted for. Fingers crossed I can get into the category too if they like what they see, and if anyone reading this has any other suggestions of festivals to take the film to, please let me know, as especially with Autism Acceptance Month happening soon (April 2025 to be precise), now couldn't be a better time to make a donation to take it to festivals all over the world!

Short Go Fund Me Page: http://gofund.me/273da962

NYT Collective:

This week I also made some notes on some homework from a previous seminar. I'd be lying if I said I was struggling with it, but I did what i could and hopefully it'll be enough for the group to pitch. Which is better than nothing I guess.

2024 Wrap Up:

I was abit late to the game but I managed to catch up on the Act On This 2024 Wrap Ip. It had it all, from Equity vs Spotlight, AI and even guest appearances through the phone from previous guest speakers, but for those who are a member of Act On This, I'll leave you to guess who they are. And I do relate to Ross' personal goal (which I'm not going to say in fear of spoilers, unless you're an Act On This member), as even though it's not a compulsory thing, it is a part of my life I want to explore and maybe the self care I need, knowing how much it benefitted Ross in the past. But all in all the talk got me all fired up ready for the year ahead!

Coronation Street:

This week I caught up with what went on down at the cobbles from 6th January, and I won’t lie, even though I did see spoilers it very nearly made me cry. You have to feel for Mason when his brothers did the worst thing possible. But raising awareness for knife crime is important, so we’ll done to Jordan Hogg for directing a powerful episode and Luca took an proving that a leopard can change its spots when it comes to people like Mason.

The episodes after that showed the impact of it all, particularly for Abi who was there on the scene and recreating flashbacks of what happened with Seb. And taking it out on others is a sign to say she’s not coping well. Betsy understandably is grieving for the loss of her boyfriend, and the truth about the factory burglary couldn’t have come at a bad time. But thankfully Lisa understood why Carla kept it from her and knowing that her daughter is grieving, she wasn’t so hard on Betsy, even though she had to do her job. Dylan also felt guilty when he told Sean about his part in the stabbing, but Kit definitely didn’t hold back on the questions. David also didn’t help the aftermath when chasing Shona after getting a call from Kit, who after managing to catch one of the brothers, the other one is still on the loose. And good on Joseph for admitting what he and Hope did, and whilst we don’t know for certain if it made a difference hadn’t it happened, it certainly didn’t help the situation. And Asha’s speech on the reality of the struggles the NHS are facing, one of which are hoax calls which took place during masons case, just pile even more pressure. But outside of the cobbles there seems to be some good news for some. Evelyn made a bold decision with regards to university, leading to Maureen limpmans exit, and Dev and Bernie took the next step in their relationship. Finally, Carla got the news she didn’t want to hear with regards to her kidney, and she was very brave opening up to Lisa on why she was scared for the surgery taking place. But Bobby visiting Rob may be the answer she needs, how she’ll react knowing they parted on bad terms is anyone’s guess. Finally I watched the show on 13th January. I was pretty pleased with ribs sacrifice when Matty helped him and Bobby hostage but it took me a while to find out the true intention behind it all. but it was enough to believe that he would donate a kidney to Carla, and speaking of Matty, I could sense Alya's unease when she’s asked to represent him, and understandably Sean is not happy. And rightly so as Dylan has reached breaking point over what happened with Liam. And it’s great that a crowd finder is happening for Mason's funeral, and that Billy would do the service after initially turning down the offer after Paul’s funeral. Finally I could tell that Bethany wanted that job in London (which I can guess what will happen as Lucy Fallon has left the show for maternity leave), but I can get why she got mad at Daisy for feeling like she’s stepping in her relationship with Daniel. 

Hollyoaks: 

This week in Chester was a big one. It was the big day of JJ's trial, and Frankie was adamant of facing her brother in court. And she was very brave taking on the tough questions as well as opening up about her ordeal. Although I wish things were going as smoothly for Prince, who discovered that Zoe knew he’d lied to her and his strong bond with Dilly. But when Dilly found out something shocking from Sienna, she was adamant to get away. But something tells me that Jez has done the unthinkable and made sure she wouldn’t tell a soul. Tuesdays episode saw Ste coming to Tony’s rescue, despite some controversial thoughts of Marie working at the new and improved Hutch following Abe's allegations. But whatever happens it’s good for Ste to focus on something positive. We also saw Sienna having a shock at what Jez had done to dilly. And whilst helping him sort out the problem, she encountered the familiar face from the past. And he in turn has an interesting conversation with Rex, who revealed his true intention, which include why he’s been keeping Jacob away from his parent. Why people like him do that I don’t know, but there’s always a reason for everything. But it looks like rex hasn’t changed his ways. We also need a friend like peri who yes wants justice for what and did to her, but she doesn’t want to do it by force, and she could tell that Cleo wasn’t ready to open up, especially after seeing Frankie after JJs trial. And speaking of JJ, like most rapists he managed to twist the narrative of what happened, and also how he managed to worm his way around the recording. And I’m surprised that the jury came to a decision so quickly. That always confuses me as to if it’s a good or bad thing. And Wednesdays episode proved it was a good thing, but not before JJ decided that now was the right time to confess. But I guess better late than never. And Frankie’s words to Ste on how to help peri definitely shows that she will be okay, and if she got justice, so will Peri. Sienna is also still in a state of shock when Jez explained why he did what he did to Dilly, bringing up his pasta but I fear there’s more dark secrets to come for Patrick’s even more evil twin. Finally Donny’s altercation with Dodger revealed his true reasons to be here, and now he has to leave again. But I am intrigued to find out how he and Maxine got together?

Eastenders:

In Walford this week tensions flared in all areas. Nigel was still struggling to get through to Phil, but thankfully Yolande helped him with regards to Raymond’s present. And during Raymond’s party, it all became tense when it came to Phil and Denise, and Nuggets remarks on him and Ravi didn’t help. Jack also got suspicious on something of Denise’s he spotted, but just as she thinks she and Ravi are in the clear, Nugget may potentially ruin things (which I wasn’t expecting). Meanwhile Reiss is adamant he’s going to get Sonia out, but surely the truth about Bianca will come to light, and it all becomes too much in the Beale and Knight clan. As Ian’s lies on why he didn’t inform the family about Cindy escalated, but her moments of what happened all lead to Lauren, and Freddie was right on not asking Anna out during that situation. Tuesdays episode saw Ravi see the full extent of Nish’s manipulation he put in nugget, but I’m glad he managed to talk him round to keep quiet on him and Denise. Although after seeing her getting cosy with jack I can see why he mentioned about his true feelings of being a secret. Phil is also on edge and after taking it out on Nigel it’s not done him any favours. But I’m glad he has someone like Yolande to confide in. Reiss has made a crucial mistake when it came to the trial and I don’t blame his solicitor for getting mad and finally even though Lauren was relieved to be out of the station I was shocked by her admission on the night Cindy was attacked. Yes it was good on her for being honest but that didn’t help when it came to remembering stuff. Wednesdays episode saw Ruby slightly jealous when Stacey offered to help Martin with the fight for the market, and after being rejected by Denise, jack fell into the arms of Nicola, who was determined to move on from teddy. I also feel Bianca's frustration by Reiss and his most extreme ways to cover his tracks and Martin was also net best pleased by Reiss lack of support. And speaking of Reiss, he’ll be getting an unexpected guest in Cindy when she gets out of hospital soon. But Lauren isn’t coping to well with the flashbacks from that night after her admission to Peter, and her asking Ravi for something stronger isn’t helping her or the baby. Finally, Thursdays episode saw Bianca trying to use a different tactic to escape from Reiss’, and it’s really annoyed me that no one has found her yet, so surely the truth must come to light. Martin we also frustrated when Stacey’s shop will be closed, but knowing how much he cares for her (which you can understandably see how it may put off Ruby), he’ll do everything he can to stop it. Finally the beales are still on edge after the night of the attack, and Cindy may have been wrong to accuse Lauren of being the one who attacked her, as a threat may have changed everything she thought she knew. 

Squid Game:

I feel that the second series just got better and better! We got to learn a little bit more about the Front Man’s past, and I also learnt about how one citizen turned into one of the masked staff which I did not expect (as I thought she would be participating in the game). And the confrontation between Gi-hun and the front man was epic to see! In episode 3 “001”, Gi-hun was literally in the worst scenario possible. His tracker was lost and he had a challenge into getting everyone to believe him on the first game. But despite the reality of the first challenge and the truth about how he knew, it didn’t seem to work in his favours. But I was most shocked when the identity of player 001 was also a player in the previous games. But I’ll leave you reading it to figure out who it is. 

Kin:

I can see why season 2 of Kin is even more thrilling than the first one. As episode 2 saw the return of Bren who was realised from prison. I immediately don’t like him, and that’s when you know an actor is playing a part well if they’re a villain. I could immediately tell that birdy is very wary of him even though she said she’s fine, but Michael could see right through him. And rightly so when he ordered someone to take down the kinsellas only hope of paying the Batuks back. And I really hate his attitude towards Amanda, and his manipulation of the family, who in turn goes to a reluctant Frank for help. and Nikki was right to warn Viking about being taken advantage of by Bren, and I’m just scared for Anthony to go down a dark path. And along with his fear for Bren, Michael is also still worried about Anna who despite saying she wants nothing more to do with him, he still manages to check in on her. Episode 3 saw Bren continue to cause friction within the family. Especially Amanda and Jimmy's relationship, as whilst she may be in charge of most of the stuff within the family it’s not an excuse for Jimmy to have a go at her. Anthony is also being brainwashed by him, and seeing Michael and Amanda together only fuelled his anger even more. Frank May also be on the brink of a serious illness, and I don’t think his current lifestyle is helping. And not even Nikki’s tough love towards Viking stopped him from goading Ged Delaney’s brother, and she was right to warn him not to trust Bren when he is put in an impossible position after discovering Kem betraying the Kinsella's. Finally there may be an emotional reason why the Batuks need the moment, and I don’t know if I like it or not, but I can see why Michael really called the magician, and I think he means what he says when he threatens Bren. In other words I don’t want to get on his bad side. Episode 4 saw Jimmy do the dirty behind Amanda’s back, and you know what I blame Bren for this. But Jimmy I’d less than pleased when he found out Anthony is doing a job with Eric linking to Kem, so I hope it breaks the spell Bren has put him under. The daughter of the Batuks also made it crystal clear that her payments will be paid the next time she visits Dublin but her personal reasons for it may have got to her. I also get birdy’s frustration on why Michael kept Ken’s betrayal a secret, and he has a lot more to worry when it comes to keeping Bren away from Anna and also trying to control his epilepsy, with that and the pressure she and Amanda are facing when Eric does the job is not helping. But I do hope he and the pharmacist do have something going on. 

Patience:

I’m really starting to get into this new series. Episode 2 saw the backstory of her early life through her godfather after being innocently been taken in for questioning. But in some ways she helped them to get closer to the case, even where she was able to get a country linking to the case. Bea I getting advice from Billy and his explanation on special interests (which was a brilliant definition), helped massively as patience special interest with puzzles has helped her to get the name of the person patience recognised. I also suspect that a little romance may be on the cards for her and one of the forensic examiner, and even though she and friend Billy broke some of the rules, it actually worked in the teams favour. And it also may be the start of a great friendship between patience and Bea. Episode 3 saw her helping out a murder enquiry at a museum. And good on her for admitting that the place was one of the very few memories with her and her dad, and for spotting the cause of death before the forensics did. I also feel for Bea when the teachers thought about getting Alfie tested for ADHD, and I think he had taken a liking to patience. And when she helped him with a present from the museum, she spotted something which is a new development in the case. And I know that Bea didn’t want to upset her when she questioned how she knew Emily died, but when she finally figured out the answer, I didn’t like the way Beas colleague DC Jake Hunter was with her. But I’m glad Bea was able to calm her down and found out some more stuff about her and her dad. Thankfully Bea was able to correct Emily’s her on her cause of death, and good on patience for bravely presenting her findings to Baxter. And it looked like it worked in their favour. And I loved the ending where Bea is keen to seek answers for Alfie, especially after she noticed something on the tattoo patience spotted, and patience herself may be able to help on that journey. 

Personal:

Exercise

This week I managed to get plenty of exercise in. Although Saturday after getting abit of an upset stomach, I did less time on the bike. But that’s okay as I managed to do what I could and that was a win for me. 

Cooking:

I made a big step in my cooking skills this week which to some it may seem simple but for me it was a big step. I managed to cook some pork loin medallions by myself, and I must say it was a bit with the family. It’s moments like this where the small wins really do matter, so overall I’m happy with myself for it. 

Pantomime On Demand:

This may seem both personal and professional but this week I managed to watch the Nottingham Playhouse’s production of Jack & The Beanstalk. I loved every second of it, and despite some things going wrong it was a right ball of joy. I even managed to note some of the jokes they used and even loved the use of British sign language in the show. One of the many proves on how we can make the arts accessible, and I can’t wait to see what the playhouse do next. 

I’m A Celeb:

This week I managed to watch the Coming Out Show where all the drama unfolded. from Alan’s emotional reunion on FaceTime to his daughter, Melvin finding out about Carol Vorderman response and he and Dean coming face to face about one of the jobs in camp, and Oti being Reunited with her daughter.  It had it all! But overall it was brilliant to see what they all got up to after they left the jungle. 

This Masked Singer:

On a summer holiday special it all Kicked off! One character made me change my guess, one made start to think on who it is, and let’s just say that the person voted off was not happy! Whether it’s part of their character or not I’m not sure. But it was a very good episode despite that. This then followed by watching The Superhero special of the show, with special guest Tom Daley. And so far I think I know who own of them is based on the voice and someone who used to be in the American version of the show. I just hope I’m right. 

Hard times:

This week I would say the hard times were the lack of sleep I had which led me to feeling abit ill. And yes its not an ideal scenario to be in, especially when you're on the brink of burnout. It also didn't help that a family member of mine started to fill ill themselves, and yes whilst it's not serious, it's not nice to see a loved one being under the weather (but I know they'll battle through it in no time). Lets just say as well that being on the brink of burnout also led me to doing little on the homework set up by my course a couple of weeks ago, and it's not easy when you're in more than one location. But as mentioned before I did what I could, and that was better than nothing. And at least my dog Margo as seen below was able to cheer me up.

What have I learnt this week? Anything is better than nothing. Even if you wrote 1 sentence of a new monologue or only did 10 minutes worth of exercise. Anything is better than nothing. This also applied to when I was reading The Chuckle Brothers biography/auto biography which I’ll apply into my passion show… work hard for the great people who have paid to see you no matter how many of them are there. So even if there are 20 people coming that’s 20 people who have paid see me make a difference.  

See you soon for another blog. Until next time…

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)