Valley Courier - The Grand Ole Opry

Another fun show I'm looking forward to produced by The Small Town Concert Series at The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook on March 5th!

www.katherinehepburntheater.org

Joell A. Jacob Actor Introduction Video

My Actor Introduction Video shot at Northern Lights Communications in Bristol, CT.

Exit 6 Rocks The Ivory once again!!

Women Diggin' Dylan

It Hurts So Bad - Joell and Chris at The Kate

Here's a video of Chris Gosman and I at The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook CT. Chris is one of the guitarists in Exit 6 and I was so happy that he was with me on stage for this performance too. This show was produced by The Small Town Concert Series called Wine, Women and Song. (See the previous post) We were pretty nervous about being out there so exposed as a duet playing electric on that big stage with those great acoustics. We did it though! And it was a great experience. The crowd seemed to enjoy it and to be able to share creativity like that is what it's all about.

“Wine, Women & Song – Big Music from Small Town on a Friday Night”

Friday, January 15th, 2010

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

860-510-0473 / KatherineHepburnTheater.org

Produced by The Small Town Concert Series

$20 Admission at door – Refreshments Available

Featured Performers Include:

Marni Rice (New York City and Paris, France)

Lauren Agnelli (Grammy Nominated w/Washington Squares)

Sandra Lauren Lichter (Chester, CT and Woodstock, NY)

Joell Jacob (Ivoryton, CT)

The best way to keep up spirits and enjoy the coldest season: warming up with heartfelt and sensuous sounds from four lovely leading ladies of music – and adding a little wine! Three locally based, all four are accomplished writers of song as well as talented interpreters of song. Lauren Agnelli, Marni Rice, Sandra Lichter and Joell Jacob pack a real entertainment punch with four distinctive “flavors” ranging from acoustic folk rock, Americana, French cabaret, blues, soul, and torchy jazz. What’s more, they will be playing in intimate groupings . There’s nowhere to hide – no loud bands – just four bewitching, beautiful songstresses.

Acting Again!!!!

I'm so excited to have gotten a part in this world premiere play by Lary Bloom. I'd been tossing around the idea to try some acting again and I had heard about this great Theater group just down the street. A few of my friends were involved, so I decided to go check it out and see what type of classes they offered and if it might be a good fit for me.

It just so happened that Margreta Stage was in the process of producing this new play. They were having auditions and I figured I'd try out.... just as a practice on auditioning to get myself out there again. Auditioning is so incredibly frightening!!! You can imagine how shocked I was when I landed a role! I haven't done theater acting in about eight years or so and I never thought I'd be so lucky to have the opportunity to work on such a fabulous project right off the bat.

Everyone invloved is just so wonderful to work with. I am so honored to be on stage with such skilled talent and to be supported off stage by such a loving crew. It's quite exciting to be the first play to be presented at the new Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. We look forward to a great run!

A simple quilt for simple summer days....

My latest creation. I have all these fabric samples and figured I'd try making a quilt. It was quite fun and relaxing.

Stained Glass Kaleidoscope

I've always loved kaleidoscopes and was so impressed the first time I saw a stained glass one.  I was recently inspired by Jean at Vijon Studios in Old Saybrook Ct. to try to design my own.  This is the result.  It was lots of fun and I look forward to making my next one! .

Dirt Floor Studios in Chester

I'm still shining from the recording session at Dirt Floor Studios in Chester.  I've been dying to record with my friend Chris Brown who plays upright bass and ukulele.  Eric Lichter co-owner and operator of Dirt Floor is an amazing musical artist.  His wife Sandra, a beautiful artist as well, is his partner.  

The process was organic; totally old school and totally pro!  This is the only way to record at Dirt Floor.  Be a true artist and the truth be told!  I'll be posting my recordings on my websites soon!  Yeah!  

If you want beautiful sound, way comfortable surroundings and artistic inspiration - go to Dirt Floor.  There are so many wonderful things about the studio and Eric to know so check out some sounds and more information at the websites below.  

http://www.dirtfloorrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/dirtfloorstudio
http://www.dirtfloorrecording.com

A trip to Orange County Choppers

What a coincidence.  The day after I post a picture of me and my bike on Facebook, I get a call to go work at Orange County Choppers in New York.  This was a CNBC shoot highlighting American Entrepreneurs.  What a pleasure to go see the new headquarters, check out some of the one-of-a kind bikes and meet some of the OCC guys.  Yup, I met Mikey!  Paul Sr. is just as you would imagine.  Authentic and driven.  He was nice to me even though I was there to put make-up on him.  He wasn't so keen on the idea, but as usual I used a light hand to cover any obvious problem spots for HD and all went well.  No, he doesn't use make-up on the regular show!  See their website at www.orangecountychoppers.com  Paul Sr. just published a book called "The Ride of A Lifetime".  It's going on my to read list.  Another good day in the life of a CT make-up artist!

Rick Itzkowich and Productive Learning

I can't say enough good things about Rick Itzkowich!  All the information he shares about social networking and his daily quotes are just the thing to keep me motivated to learn more about building relationships on and offline!  I just finished listening to his mp3 download  "Cultivating a Prosperity Mindset".  I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already started practicing the plan!  Ricks generosity and keen knowledge are just the thing for anyone wanting to improve their personal and professional lives on a daily basis.  To learn more visit any one of his websites.

www.productivelearning.com
www.quoteactions.com
LinkedIn Profile
Follow me on Twitter
Xtraordinary Living Blog
Stay In Touch Marketing Blog

Rick Itzkowich
Productive Learning & Leisure, LLC
Helping you thrive not just survive!

Powder Puffs!

As a professional make-up artist for over 20 years, I’m always searching for the right tools.  I used to buy my powder puffs from a local beauty supply chain, but they stopped carrying them and I can’t find a replacement.  I decided to make my own with a new twist on the design and sell them on my Etsy store - http://joelljacob.etsy.com.  I thought that having some patterns and colors for my kit could be fun too.  

While on set I usually take care of more than just one actor or “talent for the day”.  I ALWAYS use a separate powder puff on each face for sanitary reasons.  I’ve traditionally written the talent’s name on the back of the puff with an old lip or eye pencil.  The people are always so appreciative to know they have their own puff!  With my new design, you can write their name on the tag!  After use, throw the puffs in a lingerie bag and wash regularly or hand wash.  Air dry for best results and longer life.  I like to use 1 cup of vinegar  during the last rinse cycle to kill any bacteria, keep the colors bright and to prevent lint.

For home use, write the date on your puff as a reminder and wash once a week!  Your face will appreciate it!

This set of three powder puffs is made with 100% cotton – inside and out!  The organic cotton batting inside is sewn on three sides to prevent slippage after washing.  The soft corduroy is just as soft as the velour ones I’ve always used.  I’ll be making more with new patterns as I find them.

Stained glass lampshade - All Done!

Finally done!  Here's my first stained glass lampshade.  I designed it after a trip to New Orleans.  I've had the base for years.  I think I acquired it from my good friend and old band mate Ann.  I'm so glad to have finished.  Feels real good to accomplish this!

Reusable Giftwrap for Christmas

Here are some of my handcrafted reusable giftwraps for Christmas!  Here are two with Rudolph prints!  Cute for the kids!

  

Go to my stores to check out these and other wraps available.

http://joelljacob.etsy.com 

 and

 www.smashingdarling.com/store/2196

Here's my video for a short demonstration.

Luz Ramos - a Real Pro!

I worked with Luz Ramos yesterday.  She is a Connecticut actress and this is the third time we've worked together in the past year.  She's getting the work because she's got the talent and skills to keep the clients happy.  Yesterday we accomplished a two day shoot in one day!  That's right, because of her professionalism and perfect reads I got paid to be home today!  Thanks Luz! 

Not that banging out good reads is what it's all about.  Luz has true warmth and is a natural on camera and she's bilingual.  She's easy to work with too - no Diva here.  Don't get me wrong, Luz demands respect as she knows her craft, but she's got a nice balance where she respects those around her too.  

She'd be a great spokesperson for an environmental product.  We talked about my new product - Reusable Giftwrap yesterday and she was very supportive as she is very conscious of our environmental issues.  She told me she stopped buying paper towels.  I dare you to do it too!

Watch for Luz on some upcoming Brotherhood episodes or check her out in some of the movies she's been in.  You can find out more about Luz at her website luzaramos.com  I can't wait to see the film that she is working on.  She's working with Chrisina Ricci and Liam Neeson on a new suspense thriller coming out next year.  Keep your eyes peeled and watch this one rise to stardom!

Niko our Malamute

Gerry and I had quite a scare yesterday when our dog Niko started behaving quite strangely.  She’s an old girl – a 13 year old Malamute – way past her age expectancy.  She has some old age issues, but she’s quite lively and having a good time in life wrestling with her adopted brother Dioji and still going on 2 mile hikes.  A couple of nights ago she vomited during the night; mostly bile but besides that she seemed relatively fine.  We thought maybe she’s just not feeling well.  The next day, she ate some breakfast and had her morning cookie, but didn’t seem to really enjoy it.  She seemed a bit mopey and we figured we’d let her relax and let her “sickness” run its course. 

Well, yesterday she woke up and vomited again this time a lot!  Still bile.  I tried to get her outside and she was totally dizzy like a drunk!  She couldn’t stand never mind walk.  She fell and I thought "this is it".  I figured her body was just failing and that  she was dying.  We called the vet and they offered us a 2:30 appointment.  We took it but figured we’d let her rest rather than drag her down to the vet and create a trauma to her on her dying day.  We were considering just calling the vet to have him come and euthanize her at home.

Then I noticed her eyes were doing something weird.  They were pulsating and flicking up an down.  Almost a weird roll.  I had Gerry call the vet again to let them know of this symptom – was it a sure bet that her system was failing or should we rush her in?

The doctor relayed that we should bring her in and that “it may not be as bad as we thought”.

Gerry carried her to the car and I sat in the back with her thinking that this might still be our last car ride together.

The doctor took one look at her and diagnosed Vestibular Syndrome.  It happens in older dogs and it actually does “run a course” but is not deadly.   

The following are signs of vestibular disease:

ataxia (lack of coordination without weakness or involuntary spasms – in  otherwords, stumbling and staggering around)


 

motion sickness
 - therefore vomiting

 

nystagmus

 (back and forth or rotational eye movements. The movements will be slower in one direction. This is the side where the neurologic lesion is likely to be; however, nystagmus is named according to the direction of the fast component  i.e. there may be left nystagmus but the lesion is probably on the right side of the vestibular apparatus.) 
 

 

Circling
 

 

Head tilt

 

Falling to one side

 

Trouble with other nerves controlling the head and face

Search Vestibular Syndrome for more information, but if you happen to experience this with a dog you know…. Maybe it’s not as bad as you think either!  Niko is in recovery.  She does seem a little better.  She is taking Dramamine, Zantac and an antibiotic for the ear infection she may have which is causing this.  She has a history of them, so we can safely assume this is the remedy.  She can walk around although still very dizzy.  You have to watch her so that she doesn’t stumble and hurt herself or the furniture – she’s a big dog!   We have confidence that she will recover from this.  In the meantime, she’s a spoiled girl and she loves the attention!

Stained Glass Bass

Here is my first original design and the third stained glass project I ever worked on.  My first piece was a tiny three piece flower that my friend Caryn taught me to do.  You can see what Caryn is up to at Caryn B. Davis Photography.  She does some amazing work!  The second piece I worked on was from a free pattern; a coy fish.  

A friend suggested a legal size bass fish so I said "okay".  I found some pictures of bass, drew a few sketches and finally came up with this design.  I like how the tail is flipping, showing the force of movement as he goes for the lure!  The lure is handmade by my friend Brian Corey and I love the three dimensional addition.  My good friend Patrick McCauley made the frame for me.  The master of wood and design zipped it out for me in jiffy.  It was amazing to watch him work!  This piece sat in my basement shop for years because it had no frame.  THANK YOU Patrick!

This design is available on commission for $1200. if anyone is interested.  Just contact me.  The frame is not included in this price, but I can ask Patrick if he'd be willing to make another one special for you!

Stained glass lamp shade - a work in progress

Here's a stained glass lamp shade that I designed an am currently working on.  I was inspired by our trip to New Orleans last February.  Fleur de lis everywhere!  Although it's meaning or use is much debated, I like to think of it as as a symbol of perfection, light and life - a definition I found through research.  Since I started working on it down at Vijon Studios in Old Saybrook, away from the distractions of home, I've finally gotten most of the pieces together.  A bunch of soldering to do and I'm going to make a "window" along the bottom.  I'll post another photos when I'm done!

Reusable Giftwrap by Joell Jacob

Reusable Giftwraps by Joell Jacob Designs are an earth friendly alternative to paper. This unique design created by Joell Jacob is all-inclusive - the ribbon is permanently attached and it’s easy to use! 

Circulate these washable giftwraps with your family and friends and start a new tradition.  Wrapping your gifts with Reusable Giftwraps makes it two gifts in one!   These  beautiful wraps can be used as Reusable Giftwrap or to keep delicates stored safely while in drawers or during travel.  

Use these gorgeous wraps again and again to save money and help sustain our planet by keeping paper out of our landfills.

Different sizes are available!  These wraps are perfect for wrapping books, clothing and accessories.  Use gift boxes or none!  You can assume that a piece of wrapping paper the same size could wrap the same gift appropriately.  Reusable Giftwraps are left a little longer on the folded edges to work properly.

To purchase Reusable Giftwraps by Joell Jacob go to 

http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/joell-jacob   

and

http://joelljacob.etsy.com

Please see my video for a 2 minute tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHoDvmvYsw0