Jay Tavare – Gorgeous Native American Actor

Bailey here –

So while we’re on the topic of hot Natives, I found another one for you. Jay Tavare! And he is something. Not only is he gorgeous, has a hot bod and can act, he also did his own Emmy nominated stunt on CSI Miami – jumping out of a 23^rd story building in 200 foot free fall! Not me. No thanks.

Jay is Apache, Navajo and Latin. And a nice mix of it to be sure. He is 5’11”, has hazel eyes and black hair – and lots of muscle. His favorite meal is breakfast and his favorite colors are red, black and tan. Jay believes that one way we can all help the environment – and save trees – is to stop requesting useless ATM print-outs. Such a small thing, but done by many would make a HUGE difference.

Where can you see Jay – besides here in my journal?

Movie and TV Appearances:

• Cold Mountain
• The Missing
• CSI Miami
• Into the West – one of my favorites!
• Vatos Locos
• Pathfinder
• El Padrino
• Among others . . .

Jay has also been on the covers of Cosmopolitan, GQ, Vogue and Vanity Fair. He’s been featured in articles in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, LA Confidential – and my personal favorite – Cowboys and Indians.

Jay lives in Los Angeles and writes screenplays and non-fiction magazine articles in his spare time. He’s also a sought after speaker for a variety of subjects including American Indian history, diet and nutrition, and health and fitness.

Jay is a humanitarian and a dog lover. Jay supports the Adopt-an-Elder program by having adopted several Navajo elders and a Navajo family, providing desperately needed food and clothing to those in need. He’s also actively involved in Samoyed and Wolfdog rescue, owning a Samoyed of his own.

Check out more about Jay on his website at http://jaytavare.com/

Adam Beach – Native Actor

Bailey here again –

Adam Beach is a prolific Native actor you’ve likely seen on TV, at the movies, or both. He most recently co-starred with Harrison Ford in the movie, Cowboys & Aliens.

Adam was born in Manitoba, Canada and grew up with his two brothers on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve. He was eight years old when his mother was killed by a drunk driver. Eight weeks later, his father drowned. Adam doesn’t like to recall his childhood very often because it was so painful. He and his two brothers eventually were taken to Winnipeg to live with an aunt and uncle (his father’s brother), who he refers to as “dad.”

Adam made a name for himself as Victor Joseph in the award-winning film, Smoke Signals. He played opposite Nicolas Cage in Windtalkers, the story of the World War II Navajo code talkers, and received acclaim for his powerful starring role as Ira Hayes in Flags of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Steven Spielberg.

He has also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his portrayal as Charles Eastman in the film Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. He’s also worked extensively in television, appearing on HBO’s fourth season of Big Love as the manager of the Indian casino; as a series regular on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, playing the role of Ice-T’s partner, Chester Lake; and in the CBS miniseries Comanche Moon. Adam currently has a recurring role on ABC’s new series Combat Hospital (2011).

Adam brings a unique and diverse perspective to his work as he is strongly rooted in his Native heritage. He received the Best Actor Award from the American Indian Film Festival for his role of Frank Fencepost in the film Dance Me Outside.

Adam’s commitment to his spiritual development through traditional grass dancing enhances his work. He spends his spare time playing hockey and generously donating his voice and enthusiasm in support of Native youth.

Adam’s film and television involvement is so extensive I can’t list it all here. But you can check him out on his IMDB page at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0063440/

Mockingjay – The Boy with the Bread

Spoiler Alert –

“You’re not very big, are you? Or particularly pretty?” – Peeta

“Later, there’s a lot of kissing. Didn’t seem very genuine on your part. Did you like kissing me?” – Peeta

Peeta laughs again, coldly, dismissively. “Well, you’re a piece of work, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t believe the boy with the bread talked that way to Katniss. Rocked my world. It was horrible. The old Peeta was gone and I didn’t like the new one. At all. Although it was strangely satisfying how he told Katniss the truth as he saw it. I figured she kind of had it coming. At least from him.

I didn’t like the deal with Finnick. I’d rather it’d been someone closer to Katniss. I wanted more for Annie and the baby. I worried the whole time that Katniss would have to watch Gale or Peeta be killed and then she’d finally figure out who she loved.

As it was, Katniss never had to make that decision.

I don’t know about you, but the assassination was very satisfying. To even suggest a new hunger games was despicable and evil. Even more so than the predecessors because it didn’t have to be that way. They should’ve learned.

I liked how hope bubbled up at the end. I can’t live without hope, but Katniss didn’t have much of it in her life. The ‘book of goodness’ she started was wonderful.

One thing is for sure, you can’t read the Hunger Games trilogy without feeling something.

Reading Catching Fire

Spoiler Alert –

Bailey here –

I’m reading Catching Fire, and I have to admit I’m kind of depressed. I’m not all the way through, but I can’t believe Katniss and Peeta have to go back into the arena, just one year after they escaped it. I can’t believe all the victors have to go back in and fight each other. It’s sick. Of course it all had to be orchestrated by President Snow.

I can’t wait for the uprising. I can’t wait for someone to off President Snow. Hopefully Katniss. And I hope Cinna lived through his beating. Not Cinna! Please not Cinna. I love him. And I can’t believe the victors are actually killing each other. I thought they’d band together and refuse to fight. I’m very disappointed. Very. If anyone could start – and help – a rebellion, it’s those people.

Another thing – why don’t I know who Katniss likes better, Gale or Peeta? Shouldn’t she have some idea of who she loves/likes? I know she lives an entirely different life than I do, but come on. Here are two hunky guys who are desperately in love with her. Does she feel nothing? I don’t care what the life circumstances are – love always bubbles up. So what’s up with Katniss?

Haymitch said it best. “You could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him.” – Catching Fire

I Finished It – The Hunger Games!

SPOILER ALERT – SPOILER ALERT – SPOILER ALERT

Bailey here –

Wow, I’ve never read a book quite like The Hunger Games before. Now I have to read Chasing Fire and Mockingjay. I was addicted to Hunger Games even while I was appalled at the way human beings were treated. The hunger, pain and desolation most of the people lived with day in and day out was staggering. It made me very thankful for my family, my home and my life. It also made me realize I have no real problems.

I loved Katniss from the beginning, but fell all the more in love with her as she showed her courage, cleverness and will to survive – in addition to the compassion she showed to Peeta and Rue. Rue has a special place in my heart, and I loved how Katniss stayed with her, sang to her, and decorated her with flowers.

I absolutely loved Cinna and I want to know his story. Why did he pick District 12, why is he so different from everyone else in the Capital, and how did he develop such compassion?

The most horrific part of the story for me was the mutations. Not only did these Tributes have to die again, but their families and friends had to watch them die again, too. How utterly disgusting and wicked of the Capital.

But now The Hunger Games is going to be made into a movie! Jennifer Lawrence has been chosen to play Katniss. I think she looks like a good Katniss in the picture above. Lenny Kravitz has been chosen to play Cinna, and I can’t wait to see what he does with the part.

Liam Hemsworth is going to play Gale – WOW. Josh Hutcherson is going to play Peeta – NICE. And oh my gosh, Woody Harrelson is going to play Haymitch – did not picture him this way. But he’ll be good. Alexander Ludwig will play Cato – WAY too cute to play Cato. I don’t want to see him go the way he did. Ugh.

Check out the rest of the cast, as it stands, at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/

I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!

The Hunger Games – Amazing Book

SPOILER ALERT – MAY GIVE AWAY THE HUNGER GAMES STORYLINES

Bailey here again –

I’m reading this amazing book and just had to write about it. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is the first book in The Hunger Games dystopian trilogy. Catching Fire is book #2 and Mockingjay is book #3.

• Dystopian fiction  –  a futuristic society that has degraded into a repressive and controlled state. Has underlying cautionary tones, warning society that if we continue to live how we are, this will be the consequence. A dystopian society is often characterized by widespread poverty and brutal political controls such as a large military-like police.

I just started The Hunger Games, but I already love Katniss – the main character. She’s strong, resourceful and courageous. And her story is heartbreaking. I pride myself on being a strong teenage girl, but Katniss blows me out of the water.

Katniss lost her beloved dad when she was eleven years old. Then her mom went into a severe, debilitating depression. It fell to Katniss to feed and take care of her younger sister, Prim, as well as herself and her mother. Not an easy task in a town where almost everyone is starving and desperate for food.

The grief of losing her father still slams Katniss in her quiet moments. And her anger at her mother for abandoning Prim and herself when they needed her the most seethes just below the surface.

But Katniss loves Prim more than anything in the world. More than herself. She absolutely adores Prim and will do anything to protect, feed and clothe her. Even if it’s illegal in the unforgiving, dictatorship society in which she lives. Even if it means putting her life in immediate and brutal danger.

What I don’t understand is how Katniss AND Peeta are going to make it out of the Hunger Games alive. If there’s a Team Peeta and a Team Gale, then Peeta must survive, right?

My heart aches for Katniss.

Read more about The Hunger Games Trilogy on Suzanne Collins’ website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com

60’s Series Ford Mustangs – My Favorites!

Bailey here –

My favorite car in the whole world is the Ford Mustang. And the older the better. The 1960’s series Mustangs are the coolest, with their beautiful lines and throaty voices. There’s flat out no other car that looks – or sounds – that good. Yes, I’m a girl, but my heart thumps when I see one of these beauties driving down the road.

Ford released the first Mustang at the World’s Fair on April 17, 1964. That first Mustang is lovingly known as the 1964 1/2. What followed was the most successful car launch in history – 22,000 Mustangs sold in the first week, and over a million Mustangs sold in the first two years. As far as I’m concerned, the best-looking Mustangs were made from 1964 through 1969. They come in a coupe, convertible, or a fastback. I can’t make up my mind which I love most.

The first car I ever drove was a gorgeous ’67 coupe with a custom maroon paint job. It had dual black racing stripes that ran down the hood, around and along the doors, and up and over the trunk. Oh, it was something. I wish I had a picture to share, but I don’t. I don’t even know where that car is now, but I hope she has a good home.

I don’t own a Mustang – YET. So I go around taking pictures of them whenever I see them. It’s a sickness, I know, but it’s fun and doesn’t cost anything. The pictures I share with you here were all taken by me. Now tell me they aren’t gorgeous!

The new Mustangs are cool, too, but I want an old one. My dad says I can’t have an old one because they need lots of maintenance. And they didn’t come with air conditioners, power steering, or air bags – some didn’t even have seat belts. What’s a young girl to do? What I’d really like is for Ford to make a new Mustang that is *really retro.* Then I could buy one in a few years.

I mean, Dodge did it with the Challenger. Look at those cool retro lines. Gorgeous. Come on, Ford! Step up to the plate and give us a new *retro* Mustang. They would sell. Oh, yes, they would sell!

Rick Mora – Gorgeous Native

Bailey here again –

It’s been a while since I’ve written about a Native hunk, so here we go. Ever heard of Rick Mora? Hmmmm. He’s nice. VERY nice. And apparently, he’s a very busy guy. Rick is an actor, model, photographer and producer. He’s also a speaker and has done radio broadcasting.

Rick, an Apache / Yaqui Native, holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication from Cal State, Northridge. He started acting and modeling soon after graduating and was discovered by male super model agent, Omar Alberto, who envisioned the Native man in entertainment. (Thank you, Omar!)

Rick played Warrior #1 in the movie Twilight in the flashback scene when Jacob explains to Bella about the history of his Tribe with the Cold Ones. (I remember that scene!) He’s also had starring roles in The Dead and the Damned, the VILA Chronicles and Operation Repo. He is the voice of Young Turok in the animated feature Turok: Son of Stone, based on the video game, also starring Native actors, Adam Beach and Graham Greene.

As a model, Rick has 4 posters (oh yeah!) being distributed by photographer Carlos Reynosa (http://carlosreynosa.com/). As a photographer, Rick has 9 commissioned pieces to date. He specializes in landscapes, but also shoots headshots, portfolios, children and weddings. (I think I need a headshot!) As a music lover, Rick discovers, develops and produces musicians and bands in the brutal music business. (Darn, I have no musical talent whatsoever. )

Rick also supports the fight against domestic and sexual abuse against Native women. A noble endeavor for a very serious problem.
 

“I am a dreamer committed to bringing my dreams to reality.” – Rick Mora

http://www.rickmora.com

I Love Daughtry!

Bailey here again –

So you know I love Native flute music, especially Carlos Nakai. But I also have a rocker side. I love the band, Daughtry! Yes I watched Chris Daughtry when he was on American Idol, and I cheered for him from the moment of his first audition.

Not only did I love his amazing and unique voice, I loved his story. What a cool guy! He married his wife, Deanna, in 2000 and became a dad to her children. How many young guys do you know who’ll do that? And then he got famous – very successful and famous. But did he trade in his wife for a shiny, new one? 

Nope. 

He’s still in love with Deanna and they just had twins in November 2010.

Here’s what kind of guy Chris is. In a December 2007 interview with Gibson Lifestyle, Chris said, “I used to call [my wife] and just quickly throw in the towel. But I’ve found that the less I say and the more I actually listen to her, and just be there without actually being there, is the best thing I can do. As a man, I always feel like I need to say something. Sometimes I have to stop myself because all I want to do is call and tell her about how much awesome stuff is going on in my life, and, you know, her day is sucking hard. I could write a book on it, I’m serious.” 

Is he just too good to be true??

Anyway, about the music. I love both Daughtry albums – Daughtry, the five-times platinum and fastest-selling debut rock album in Soundscan history, and Leave This Town, which is already platinum. I rarely like every single song on an album, but that’s the way it is with both of these for me. Every. Single. Song. 

I especially love the song, “It’s Not Over” (Daughtry) with the words: 

• It’s not over
• This love is killing me but you’re the only one
• It’s not over

I dream of someone being so in love with me that they would feel like this. About me. Hmmmm.

I also love the song, “Call Your Name” (Leave This Town) with the words:

• And when you fall apart
• Am I the reason for your endless sorrow
• There’s so much to be said
• And with a broken heart
• Your walls can only go down but so low
• Can you hear me when I call your name

Oh, such bittersweet sorrow. Ugh. I love it! To feel such powerful emotions AND to be able to put them into words.

You can check out Daughtry at http://www.daughtryofficial.com

Let me know if you’re a Daughtry fan, too.

Discover Your Talents and Gifts! Part 2

Bailey here again – 

So we’ve talked about talents and I believe everyone has several to choose from. Some kids at school don’t think they have any talents. I think they just haven’t found them yet.

But let’s talk about gifts. I believe a gift is a power you’re born with, and you don’t have to practice it to be good at it – you just are.

Gifts are things like:

• Charisma
• Animal whispering
• Healing
• Leading
• Organization
• Intuition

We all know people who attract other people like magnets. Everybody likes them, right? Everything they do is cool, even when they’re goofy. We want to be like them, but when we try, we fall flat. Those people have charisma. You can’t obtain or practice charisma. You either have it or you don’t – I don’t.

I’ve heard some people have the gift of healing. Their touch actually causes the human body to physically heal itself. I don’t know anyone with this gift, but I think it’d be way cool! Maybe you can’t heal people with your touch, but do people seem to feel comfortable talking to you? Or are you one of the first to get called when your friends have something exciting to share? Then maybe you can mend souls.

I have a way of sometimes knowing what’s going to happen. Call it intuition or whatever. I don’t know how to control it, stop it, or make it happen. It’s just there. When I get a vibe or a thought, I always try to listen to it because I’ve gotten insight into the future. Might sound weird, but I’ve known about unannounced visitors before they arrived, and I’ve known something bad was headed my way before it happened. I’ve even gotten echoes of the past at times. Anyway, I feel like the intuition is a gift – a power – I was born with.

I believe – as Mrs. Creek does – that every person has talents they can tap into. I don’t know if everyone is born with a gift or not, but I’d like to think so. Anyway, try to discover your talents and find out if you have a gift. It makes life so much more interesting.

Let me know what you find out.