lauramahler.com

BALLERINA. Word

2008-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today's Word is BALLERINA. In Honor of my new shoes~ The BALLERINA bunny heelz. Fashionistas can also be called BALLERINAS. It is all about the strut, the stance and the positivity.

Let me know if you wanna buy my shoez. They'll make you feel like a BALLERINA.

Another Opening. Another Shoe.

2008-04-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

OMG. OMG. Is that BALLAH MAHLAH in the newspaper!??
IT IS! Whoopie!

This weekend is the opening of Dog and Pony's "As Told by the Vivian Girls." The story itself comes from Chicago Outsider Artist HENRY DARGER's crazy imagination; where little girls are slaves who rebel against anti-Christian soldiers, with the help of dragons and butterflies. Oh yeah... and they have weiners...I told you he was a little coo-koo.

The play takes on a Choose Your Own Adventure approach. They call it PROMENADE THEATRE~ where the tables are turned and the audience wears a mask as they wander the halls of Chicago's Theatre on the Lake. They can follow any character they want, up and down stairs, in and out of rooms for a storytelling experience you will want to see more than once!

I play Angeline, the tomboy Vivian girl who must face horror on the battlefield. The Battles by far are the most BEDANG part. Boi oh boi! People get stabbed! Blood and guts! Only pretend of course.

I took my own stab at being Darger for a Day and made some outsider art of my own. With some scissors, glue and spare things in my room I created BALLERINA Bunny Heelz. (see pic). My first Patented design. Perhaps I will try to sell them to Prada.

So there it is. Unconventional art is taking over Chicago and I want in. I find doing things the unconventional way keeps things fresh and interesting.

No Hate-In '08

HOLLAday: Earth Day. GREEN is the new BLACK

2008-04-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Give it up for Mother Nature!

This is tha day when we celebrate the earth.
The greeness of weed and the browness of dirt
No matter the weather: wind, hail or tornado
Let’s sing to our Mother-Nature-Volcano
Let’s sing our song loud to be sure that she knows
~It goes~

CHORUS
We La La La La La Love you
We Tha Tha Tha Tha Tha Thank you
We will do whatever it takes to make your day.

Re Re Re-Lax~ It’s a Holla Day!
Keep your trash, Reuse it another way
Make it last~ Going Green is here to stay.

V
I do solemnly swear to take part in this process
Without everyone’s help, you lookin’ a hot mess
Go get dressed~ I’ll share whatz in my closet.
Mother Earth quick! needs a remix
Lets sing our song, make sure that she hears it
Blast that beat. Loud and proud. Never fear ~it goes~

Lyrics and Illustration by Ballah MahLah

Press Release: Mahler goes Wild-er

2008-02-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

The results are in!

Performing day in and day out for children can be quite the task; but at the end of the day, there is nothing more rewarding than a job well done. I find myself feeling at peace when the smallest child realizes poetry can be cool, or that living without tons of toys might actually be fun. Re-enacting Gabriela Mistral and Laura Ingalls Wilder have helped me become a more powerful woman everyday, just by pretending to be one!

Historical Perspectives for Children has been making quite the impression on the media. The Daily Herald in Warrenville, IL covered my Laura Ingalls Wilder piece this past month. Check it out:
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/warrenville/homepage/x1651591410

I have also been receiving feedback from the teachers. Good feedback! Here's what they had to say:

“I thought Laura Ingalls Wilder did a great job. She captured my student’s attention and had them mesmerized for 35 minutes. She was a great actress, and my students believed she was real.”
Naperville Kindergarten teacher

“The lady who portrayed Laura Inaglls Wilder did a wonderful job capturing the attention and imagination of our student body. She was energetic, excited, and tremendous!”
Sue Domini
Principal
Itasca, IL

“Outstanding program! The presenter held their attention, articulated clearly while she sequentcially told the story at the level that all students could understand. Her energies and experiments kept the student’s interests as well as peeked their curiosity. Her question and answer session at the end allowed the students to seek answers to specific questions. Her knowledge of the material was clearly evident. I’d love to see her as Helen Keller!”
2nd grade

“It was good that the actress had a good rappot with kids and had amazing management skills.”
3rd grade

HOLLER

War with Mother Nature

2008-02-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

Countdown in 5
4
3
2
1

Some Time for the Environment~

A Few weeks ago in Tenessee terror struck in the form of a tornado. My cousin was right in the heat of the action, took some pictures and made it on the Newz!! That goes to show the power of fast action and prayer. I think she’ll be president some day.

Check out the video for some footage; I call it

War with Mother Nature.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=5715142&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

BALLAdayHOLLAday: Bedang

2008-02-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY Lovers and Fools.

Herez the
HOLLAday BALLAday WORDoftheday:

BEDANG

This word is in honor of my favorite B BOY, Saint Valentine.
Saint Valentine supah flies himself around all day making people fall in love. If it weren't for this selfless act, No one would ever have a boyfriend.
Another B Boy favorite is my friend Brandon He is BEDANG
We just recorded a single together. It is BEDANG

Brandon would define today’s slang word as: Something Super Fabulous

Every time you use today’s word of the day: cupids, fairies and b boys will get their wings and become SUPAH FLY.

Ballahz Book Club

2008-02-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

BALLAHZ BOOK CLUB
Oprah has one.
Why Can't Ballah?

I believe even the most in need of a ritalin sandwich can find time during the day to sit and read. I have resorted to books on tape and children's literature to satisfy my reading requirements.

Every adult, child, fahion-ista or trashon-ista should read the Children's Book, FANCY NANCY by Jane O' Connor. The book follows the life of a young girl who refuses to dress normal. I think it is a book about me. I even had a similar experience in a restaraunt (CUCUMBERS! I will never forget!) The book would be blazeh without the brilliant illustrations of Robin Preiss Glasser who gets into the specifics of being "fancy." She teaches us that yellow is plain and GOLD is fancy. HOLLER! I hear there are more Fancy Nancy books coming out, and I say, KEEP EM FLOWIN Jane.

On a Grown-up note: I borrowed THE RED TENT from the local library and listened to it on cd. I recommend this book to every mother who has a daughter and every daughter who has a mother. Anita Diamont tells the story of Jacob and his many sons and wives, but through the eyes of a woman, Dinah. I enjoyed hearing a familiar tale retold so beautifully. I felt as if I was maturing along side Dinah; and as she received lessons and secrets from the older women in the Red Tent, I made sure I remembered their advice too.

I found the beginning to be much more exciting for some reason. I tend to lose steam when too many names get involved. Every character not only had a name, but a family tree that followed their description (Sarah, daughter of ELizabeth, 3rd wife of Jacob and on and on). It got to be quite a lot of people and descriptions for me.... but the end of the book ties it all together with a tear. Anita reminds us that "there is no magic to immortality." If we live each day full of devotion for our land and our loved ones, we will be impossible to forget.

"Blessings on your eyes and on your children. Blessings on the ground beneath you. Wherever you walk, I go with you. Selah." Red Tent

HOLLAday: PHAT Tuezday. Word.

2008-02-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

The word for PHAT Tuezday is:

PHAT-TACULAR

Definition: When something is more than spectacular. It can also be excessive.
Use in a sentence: “Ur Cat (Pregnence Jr)'s Haircut is PHAT-TACULAR!” (see pic)
She should be wearing a pretty party dress. (see pic to come soon)
and a hoodie! (see pic to come soon)

Remember that when anybody says the slang word of the day… “GIVE IT UP!”

You can also make up your own slang using this word. Just replace the prefix “phat” with anything you like!

For example: ICE-tacular, Green-tacular, Boy-tacular, Lame-tacular, TACK-tacular
U get the drift. The key is to have fun! FUN-TACULAR!

Plagued by Paparazzi

2008-01-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

All these celebrities~! Makin me CRASY!

I wish we could all find something else to talk about...

and
give Britany an apology.
How many times did we ignore her/
crying/
"please leave me alone."

She is never alone.

the
voices inside her head
become
demons underneath her bed.
Humanity/
"Im a Slave for you"

Michael Jackson
-meet your match-

Your Mission:
Meet Britany outside the church where you will find it plagued by paparazzi.
Perform "Beat It" dance routine to distract the story-hungy-paparazzi.
Bring Material Girl Madonnah for extra Star Powah!

Then, perhaps we can transform the hateful snaps and violent slamz into dance routines and jigga jamz. All this noize could kill a man. it just did.

Celebrities are being found dead in their homes one by one. somethings up. something must be done.

Agreeing as a Society/ That we cannot see/Doesn't help anybody.
Even a celebrity.

Playwriting and Songwriting

2007-12-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

This winter, I tried on a new hat for my most recent theatre project "Six impossible Things" (produced by Filament Theatre Ensemble). We all tried something we've never done before, and mine was songwriting. Dressed as the Scarecrow or Good Witch of the North, I played the guitar thru a mansion on the Chicago Shoreline as we shared the tales of Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan all in one golden afternoon. The most rewarding part of the process was the process itself, where we were all able to explore our favorite ways to tell a story and join together: mine being hip-hop, yoga and music.

I also taught an after school class for Writers Theatre Company in Glencoe, IL where the students were taught the basics of creating a play from scratch: whether it be writing, performing or backstage business. With the help of two glorious writers we came up with a piece for them to perform entitled: ANANSI the Spider. The Musical. by Ballah Mahla, Dot the I and M.H.UNE.

Check out the Lyrics to We B the Daughters of Anansi:

THE DAUGHTERS OF ANANSI

ANANSI
HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLA!

CHORUS
WE BE
THE DAUGHTERS
OF ANANZI
OUR SPECIAL
SKILLS
MAKE THE GRASS GROW GREEN
DAY AND NIGHT
WE TRY TO MAKE ENDS MEET
ALL FOR OUR WONDERFUL MOTHER
ANANZI

ANANSI
THAT’S ME!

C-TROUBLE
I’m SEE-TROUBLE!
With the power of sight
I’ll catch you creeping up on me be it day or night
Must protect my mommy keep her safe from harm
But be chill everybody cause my eyes are my charm!

ROAD BUILDER
I am ROAD BUILDER!
Check out my muscles
My two strong arms
Got the town new buses
I’ll do anything for Mama/Prima Donna/Wait and see
Just WA-WA-WAatch me do it, ANANZI!

RIVER DRINKER
OOOH I’M SO THIRSTY
I CAN DRINK ME A WHOLE LAKE!
WELL MY NAME’S RIVER DRINKER
THIS’LL BE A PIECE OF CAKE!
(((((GLUG-GLUG-AHHH!!!)))))
THAT WAS SO DELICOUS!
(((EEEH-EEEH-EHHH!)))))
ANYBODY WANT SOME FISHES!

CHORUS

G-SKINNER
I’M G SKINNER

STONE-T
AND I’M STONE T!

G-SKINNER
OUR SKILL IS TO KILL

STONE-T
BUT WE AIN’T MEAN

G-SKINNER
WE ONLY BUST A MOVE

STONE-T
WHEN THE TIME IS EXTREME!

G-SKINNER and STONE-T
BECAUSE

CHORUS

CUSHION
I AM THE BABY
QUIET AND MEEK
THEY ALL CALL ME CUSHION
CAUSE I’M SO SWEET
But don’t get me wrong
I am still twice as strong
Twice as hard to to beat
CAUSE

CHORUS
We are the daughters
We are the daughters
We are the
We are the
We are the
We be the daughters of ANANZI!
ANANAZI
HOLLA AT ME!

YOU TUBE me!

2007-09-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

First YOU TUBE...
Then The WORLD!

This summer, I put on my hip hop hat to choreograph the Animators of the National Catholic Youth Conference. Every two years, Catholic Youth Groups from all over the nation join forces to worship, hear stories, sing and dance together. Thousands and Thousands of people come that it takes a whole football stadium to hold everyone.

This year, The conference will be in OHIO. I can't wait for november. Everyone has worked so hard and prayed even harder. IT IS GONNA EXPLODE!

Check out the dance moves here on You Tube! ( I am the shorty in the front, leadin the way)

He Lives in You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRSSvSWLbNU

Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_SYQokyvtk

I Still Believe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc2_rj1sq-g

I Will Praise Your Name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPeElquygtw

Discover the Way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lo9oX0hV8Q

RICCI: a fearless spirit

2007-09-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

RICCI

Why are you here?
To honor Ricci’s love.
The music ushered in the magical power of the raven.
Black cloth to rub away our worries;
Wipe away our tears.
We gathered.
We shared stories of
His amazing spirit; giving us a chance to say,
“Thank You”
“I’m sorry”
“God Bless”
“Good Bye”
Flowers were tossed into the sea
Balloons were tossed into the sky
YOU DID IT!

On Saturday September 8, we mourned the loss of a fellow Theatre School Student in a beautiful ceremony in Oscar Meyer Park.

Ricci Anselmi was an unforgettable man. He touched the lives of so many people at such a young age. Teaching us to laugh. Inspiring us to smile. Encouraging us to take off all of our clothes. Run and Jump in the lake. Step up to the mic and rap. Get arrested. Be selfless.

My heart goes out to his family, friends, girlfriend, roommates, teachers, classmates, homies and those future friends who he hadn’t even met yet. My heart goes out to the family who was driving the car and hit him on his skateboard. There is a deep sadness over his loss.

Thank you to the Theatre School family for organizing such a healing ceremony, thank you to Gabriel Halpern for leading us in song and prayer; helping us find release and closure.

There is a scholarship fund being set up at The Theatre School in his name. Please contact John Bridges if you would like to write a letter or donate.

I honor your fearless, ridiculously amazing spirit, Ricci.

CHILLAXIN Slap Jacks

2007-08-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

CHILLAXIN SLAP JACKS
My card game inspired by “Slap Jacks”

For two or more playahs

You need:
A table
A Couch
A deck of cards

Here is how you play:

You divide the cards equally among playah-hatahs. Then you CHILLAX on the couch.

CHILLAXING is a mix between “Relaxing” and being “Chill”
Lean back. Loosen up. Maybe even glaze your eyes over a bit. No fighting. No fighting.

Then begin to play the classic card game “Slap Jacks”. The trick is to continue “Chillaxing” while you toss your cards on the table. The further away the table is from the couch the more challenging the game.

When a Jack is turned up you must break “chillaxation” to be the first playah to slap the table. If you indeed slap the table first, you get all of the cards on the table.

The first playah to get all of the cards in the deck, WINZ!

GOOGLE "Actor." It's ME!

2007-08-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Check it out today before it is too late. If you click on GOOGLE Images and type in the word “actor” you can find my picture!

I am dressed as a little Jewish boy in the role of “Yentle.”

I think that makes me an official actor. My BFA in acting is now validated.

I like to be referred to as an "actor" instead of and "actress." An Actor can play both male and female roles; Yentle, the Jewish androgeny is a perfect example. Lets not forget animals, plants and fairies are also totally legit roles. All of which are on my resume.

I would love to someday play an elf: my elfin name is Nessa Taralom. Thanks to my awesome cousin Caleb: aka Elendil Telemaite (his elfin name)

Hopefully someday my face will turn up under MAHLER, FASHION, AWESOME and I will not look like a Jewish boy. But WHOSE COMPLAINING??!! ROCK On Google!

Mahler's Munchies

2007-07-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Recipe One:

Category: A Midnight Snack

JAMAICAN HONEYMOON

Ingrediants:

Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

Rainbow Sherbert

Chocolate ice cream.. syrup... whipped cream.... anything in this genre of sugary goodness

Directions:
Toast the Pop Tarts then break up into the bottom of your bowl or dish.
Then top with your sherbert and chocolate ice cream, syrup, carmel, candies, whipped cream.... whatever you desire. All you really need is the pop tarts and the sherbert to feel as if you are on your first honeymoon in JAMAICA. Imagine regaae. dig in. mon.

Slang Word of the DAY: FETCH

2007-07-14T08:36:00.001-07:00

Remember PEE WEE?? I loved that show. I miss the word of the day. "Whenever anybody says the word of the day, Scream real loud!" I am going to try to bring that back. I like to try to make up words, bring back old slang and steal my friend's faboulous slang.

Today's Slang Word is FETCH

DEFINITION: a game played between dog and human where the dog chases something the human throws.
SLANG DEFINITION: used to describe something very chic. Perhaps hard to find. Used during the 90s.

example in a sentance: " Your new backpack is so FETCH!" "That motor bike is FETCH"

THAT PICTURE IS FETCH. My gurl Lady Lo and I are in MN teaching

Independance Day!

2007-07-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

JULY 4th 2007

Happy HOLLAAAA-Day world! This is one of the most important HoLLA Dayz all year. The day we celebrate our INDEPENDENCE. We are independent individuals. Not just as americanz but as human beings. We have freedom. Freedom to love and freedom to fight. Freedom to voice our opinion and we have the independence to our own opinion. We have the freedom to challenge ourselves and others; changing the world everyday.

I would like to consider myself a very independant woman. There are few things in this world I am actually dependant on: my Family, my Faith and my Friends. Without them I would be nothing. This HOLLA Day in particular I would like to express gallons of gratitude to all of you in my life for being so supportive of the independent woman I strive to become. I can't imagine it is eazy. Especially to those whose feelings (or faces..) i have hurt on the way. Being Independent requires a lot of alone time and a lot of personal space. I must learn to find the most direct, peaceful way to express myself. Clear communication comes with meditiation.

there are many ways to meditate: go skateboarding: go to the beach: play guitar: make a collage: clean your kitchen: take a bath: go to dance class: go to the mall: kiss a cutie: laugh with your homies: go to the theatre: go to a concert: go to church: listen to music: Make a new beat: draw a picture: write a Rhyme: Stand on your head like a yoga master: call up captain planet and stop global warming

My Yogi tells me that Praying is just Paying Attention. I find that tougher than it seems!

Don't be like anyone else this HOLLA DAy. Wear mismatched socks and underwear on your head. Dance to your own two step. Sing your own praises. Just Be yourself. and don't be ashamed for one second of anything you have to offer. You are independent and free!

Well World~ If your wondering where I am ringing in this HOLLA Day you can find me with the hippies of Venice Beach and then I am off to the hoods of LA for the BBQs!! Crenshaw baby! rolling with the homies! I will be wearing bright blue shorts. Much love to my friends in Chi city who I am sure are the most faboulous people in town. and to my MN fam~ dont let the mosquitoes get you down!! p.s. you're full of banana oil!

This is a test...

2007-05-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

...of the emergency blog-cast system.