It Is OK To Ask For Help

“I got this.”

Many situations throughout my life taught and forced me to be self reliant.

Earlier this week, I needed to procure some wireless microphones for the television studio that I am designing with my co-host, Hunter Bush. It is in this space that we will produce our program, Cinematic Crypt Hotel & Lounge. Of course, a purchase of this sort is rather pricey and, being that I no longer have a steady income, I was a bit perplexed as to what I should do, given that we won’t be able to move forward without them. After some contemplation, I thought back to a recent book I read this past May while we were in Michigan: The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer.

Asking for help scares me.

Up until this point, much of what I achieved was on my own terms and done through determination, discipline and drive. To ask for assistance is not in my DNA. I would rather figure something out or suffer through. I rarely have asked my parents to get me out of a jam because I didn’t want to bother them with my problems. I am an adult and should be able to figure things out on my own. If I wanted or needed something, I found a way to get it through hard work, scrimping and saving. Well, after close to twenty years, I have found myself in a position in which the support is not only needed but welcome. Take for example… Benjamin. Without my partner in crime, I would not able to do what I am doing. He is giving me the opportunity to pursue my passions and it his belief in me that makes me stronger.

If am going to accomplish my dreams and schemes, I will need the helping hand of others too. Amanda’s words were a big part of this shift in attitude for me. It takes courage and bravery to ask for help. To be able to admit that I can’t do something on my own is very difficult, as it makes me feel vulnerable. I have realized, though, that facing a fear such as this can also be quite powerful.

I am happy to report that when I asked my mother to assist me with purchasing the microphones she did not even hesitate with her response. She said, “Of course, how much do you need?” and saw my request as an investment. This showed me that asking for help is OK; people want to see others succeed. It also made me realize that she is a believer in me too. And knowing this is more important to me than just about anything. All this to say, I may ask you for help and please know whatever it is you offer will not only be appreciated but accepted.

This past Thursday I made the trek to the Lehigh Valley to visit my mom and do some cape supply shopping with cousin Deedee. If you don’t recall, I spoke about my cape aspirations in a previous dispatch of Sundae Matinee, here.

With our trusty pattern in tow, Deedee and I combed through the aisles of Joann’s looking for fabric that would not only make for a magnificent garment of magic and wonder but provide an air of sophistication and elegance.

I absolutely love the fabric we found at Joann’s. The crushed dark blue velvet is so luxurious while the patterned fabric offers a beautiful silver shimmer. I will begin cape construction with Deedee on August 13 and the goal is to have it completed for my trip to the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Without a doubt, I am sure to make a grand cinematic entrance!

This week I have a double scoop of sweet stuff that I am proud of… 

Every year in August, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) celebrates a different actor each day by showcasing various pictures from their filmography. Starting bright and early at 6am August 1st running straight through the 31st, viewers may expect to find an eclectic mix of masterpieces, forgotten films, and uncovered gems from a specific Hollywood star. I’ve always been enamored and quite overwhelmed by this program. I suppose, though, it truly is a welcoming predicament to find one self in… too many movies and not enough hours in the day.

Throughout the month of August I’ll be sharing motion pictures that I have deemed are must watches. If you decide to join me under the stars, shoot me a note and let me know what you’ll be checking out old sport!

Find my picks each week here on MovieJawn.com.

My grand film pal, Hunter Bush and I have been furiously working on getting the Cinematic Crypt Hotel and Lounge TV studio set up. Pictured above is our check-in desk. Doesn’t it look absolutely spooktacular? I am pleased as punch by what we have been able to do with the resources available to us. Our hope is to start filming in the next few weeks. I will of corpse keep you updated here on Sundae Matinee of when to expect the premiere.

This week I recommend… Halloween haunts at Joann’s.

August brings us one more month closer to the most wonderful time of year: Spooky Season. It is also in August when shops start to line their shelves with ghoulies, ghosties and frights! While at Joann’s I picked up my first spooky of the season.

I am pleased to introduce you to my new skeleton pal, Norman Bones:

Isn’t he exquisite? He is made of a fine fabric and is fully posable. He has already made himself quite comfortable in the Cinematic Crypt Hotel & Lounge and I know he will be a regular guest on the program. Frankly, I think every home needs a skeleton pillow. Procure your bag o’ bones here. Beware! They are flying off shelves fast. Watch here for other spookies I find as I am out and about.

Happy you are here. xx. goodbye.

Tell a friend.