I love my new neighborhood. The lots are littered with seemingly sporadic community gardens, streets are smattered with cafes, the traffic is slow and the people are smiling. Feels like a bit of fresh air – which we get a lot of, just a few blocks from the breeze of the East River. I’m currently sitting in a cute little cafe on Avenue B called “B Cup.” Can’t complain when the coffee is hot and the wireless is free.
This last week was a flurry of events… moved into the new apartment, continued and closed the run of “Nudists in Love,” hosted/performed in an improv show, and continued my pursuits in home organization. My room is still in complete disarray, which led me to a bit of an anxiety attack on Wednesday night, after I continually stubbed my toes on the A/C unit blocking the doorway. My tantrum was resolved with some peaceful painting – Brooke and I painted our kitchen a beautiful shade of purple. That’s right. Purple. Looks incredible!
“Nudists” was an incredible adventure. We opened to favorable reviews and energetic audiences. Closed on Saturday afternoon with our best audience yet, complete with a standing ovation to finish. When leaving the theater, I was actually asked to autograph a poster someone made out of a blown up postcard of our show press. That was my first time signing something since playing “Charlotte” at the Village Theater at age 12. Working with this brilliant team of artists was incredibly motivational, and made me realize that this is the real deal – this could actually happen for me. It’s completely possible to be performing for a living. God, keep your fingers crossed for me… Well, I guess I still need to get my Equity Card.
And our improv show on Saturday night was equally exciting – nice size audience (and in Long Island City!) and good improv. Fun little bar and nice people. On the improv front, it was recently announced that one of the funniest improvisers at UCB was selected as a new SNL cast member. They actually held the final SNL showcase of auditions at the UCB theater. Then that got me thinking… I could be on SNL if I wanted. I guess it’s all about how hard you work and how much commitment you put into your craft.
Goals that I plan to accomplish: 1) Broadway. 2) SNL. Hey, Anna Gasteyer did both.
Ashley Harrell 
Pretty exciting, congatulations. Someone as motivated as you are just has to succeed. We are rooting for you and keep our fingers and everything else crossed. Your loing Oma
I remember the old baseball motto Dad used with the all-stars, “if you believe it, you can achieve it”I actually think it’s true.I think it’s time for Mom to visit and see you perform!xoxo
You can do anything you want! I always knew you would be an amazing adult. I was not mistaken. Attack your goals as you have always attacked them and you’ll get what you want out of life. I have no doubt that you will succeed. Your next show will have to have your Mom watching. Love, Dad