Maxine profile picture

Maxine

Am I supposed to be a grown-up by now?

About Me

Welcome to my page!(First off, if you're going to leave me a voice-message, below, you may want to pause my music while you do, or you won't be able to hear me over the rock and roll!)Where does one begin? Perhaps with a recent discovery about myself, since I’m guessing you’re reading this to learn a little about me.I’ve discovered that I am learning more about relationships than ever before. And, despite my eccentricities and interesting choices in relationships, what you may perceive as "negatives" in a relationship at first, is not always meant to stay that way. They can evolve into something truly wonderful. I believe that like stones in a jeweler’s polishing barrel, knocking ourselves up against others many times, can actually smooth our rough edges down and reveal a shining jewel.So yes, this year I am most definitely learning more about life. Every day I learn new things about myself and new ways of doing things, dealing with things, and seeing things. 2006 has been a particularly “learning” year for me.I’m learning all about the Law of Attraction this year. Learning that our thoughts are magnetic: what we think….about ourselves and about life….is literally the magnet that pulls people and experiences TO us. For example, if you think poorly of yourself and have a low self-image, you will attract people and circumstances again and again into your life, that will prove you right. And you will be treated poorly.However on the other hand, if you think highly of yourself, as in loving and caring for yourself, and have high self-esteem and truly believe you deserve the best in life, you will attract people and circumstances that will prove you right. You will be treated well.However, with that said, I will say also that if someone doesn’t treat you with love and respect, it is a gift if they walk away from you.This year has been a challenging year to change my point of attraction. I’m always interested in hearing other people’s stories about how their lives may be changing for the better, so feel free to share you thoughts.I’m a voice-over artist, for the most part. I’ve modeled for a living for a long time, and in that time have done lots of commercial acting and television, but my focus is changing now to primarily voice-over and on-camera spokesperson work, and voicing audio-books. I love it! Being self-employed is one of the great joys of life – you create your life yourself and the only person you truly have to answer to is yourself. (OK, and my agent.) I don’t think I could ever work a regular 9-5 job and have the same schedule all the time….I think I’d go insane….Sometimes I work seven days a week. Sometimes I work zero days a week.I’m from England originally, Liverpool to be exact. Had sort of a nomadic upbringing as we moved around rather a lot, my dad being an artist an’ all. I have lived most of my life in America. It’s come in handy as I do lots of voice-overs with a totally and utterly British accent, which is mine…. And lots of voice-overs with a completely American accent, which is also mine. Bi-lingual you might call me…. I’ve done a bunch of things….showed horses for a long time, danced and performed in theatre, ridden motorcycles like a wild woman, skied for years…sometimes 70-80 days a year, modeled internationally, been a nude model for master sculpting classes at the art academy in Munich, Germany, learned in-depth about tree pathology and horticulture, traveled all over the world….many trips by myself….I won’t bore you with more….but yes, I’ve led an adventurous and free-spirited life. And I’m looking forward to so much more…I love the outdoors and nature, but I’m being lured into the magic of living in a city. Specifically New York City. My dream is to have a home in Manhattan with a nicely equipped home recording studio in it, and ALSO a home in Colorado with a nicely equipped home recording studio in it! Oh yeah, and they both have to have fireplaces and outdoor living outside my door! Hey, I don’t ask for much!I need city time, and I need nature time. I love hiking and being out in the quiet of the mountains and the Aspen groves in Colorado and hearing the cacophony of the birds…. But you can’t take me away from the theater, restaurants, culture and night life of the city for too long or I’ll wig out! I’m an odd combination of nature girl and party animal. Love my short shorts and sandals. Love a sexy cocktail dress with my Manolo Blahnik’s. It’s a challenge to find a good balance sometimes…. Pisces with Scorpio rising. Who can blame me?I will say that I’m not on MySpace to date or look for a relationship so I’m afraid I don’t usually acknowledge empty friend requests. Especially if you don't even send a message indicating why on earth you would want to be friends with me in the first place!

My Interests

I love Renaissance art. Botticelli. Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Frederick Leighton. The Louvre Museum and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Rome and Florence. Lenticular clouds are my favorite.I’m an old soul. Ancient. And have found that I don’t have a lot of tolerance for those with young souls. I’ve tried, but the patience just isn’t there. I can tell almost instantly who I’m dealing with…. I have an unusually huge aura that extends far beyond my body, and I can pick up on feelings, emotions, intentions, and presences that many others don’t even know exist.No, I’m not immersed in metaphysics and don’t sit around looking into a crystal ball…but I am exquisitely sensitive and empathetic to the feelings and thoughts of others. Which also translates into being able to pick up on subversive thoughts from others, as well. Unfortunately, this makes me very sensitive, however, I’d rather be a very sensitive person with all of its benefits, problems, and nuances….than the alternative of perhaps being insensitive to others.Speaking of sensitivity, I'm afraid I am developing an "insensitivity" to people who complain all the time though. Or who are so negative that you feel like you're in the presence of a psychic vampire...someone who literally SUCKS the joy out of your life because of their eternal angst. So, one of my interests is in divesting myself of relationships with people who complain endlessly about what life "has dealt" them, and who do absolutely nothing to improve their situation. Complainers and negative people need not apply!I'm interested in things and people and circumstances that are empowering and positive. I'm interested in people who know that they control exactly what goes on in their lives, and who are not prone to wallowing in self-made misery. I'm interested in proactive optimists.One of my primary interests now, it to associate with others that are self-aware.

I'd like to meet:

Who I'd like to meet? People who are loving and kind….people who care about the planet….imaginative, creative, artists and free-thinkers….high-tech people who can teach me their world….people who are interested in self-discovery….people who love cats, dogs, and all animals….world travelers….people who encourage me to grow as a woman….people who respect the rights of others….open minded, forgiving people….non-judgmental people….people who are passionate about their work….people who manage their money well….people who say please and thank you!!....people who are sensitive and caring of others’ feelings….people who truly love music and books….people who don’t smoke cigarettes…....and again, people who will turn off their cell phone when they’re on a date with me. No, not just put it on vibrate in your pocket. I mean actually turn it off and give me your attention without the need to always know who else is trying to contact you. I'm really becoming skeptical that this person exists. So in other words….people who live in the now and have a sincere appreciation for the present moment." / Get Your Own Voice Player Manage

Music:

My favorite song? Of ALL time? Jersey Girl. By Tom Waits on the album Heart Attack and Vine. Jersey Girl all the way. I could listen to it all day. STILL brings tears to my eyes.Other than that....Waaaaay too much to list here, but… Steve Vai, Jimi Hendrix, Creed, Mozart, Audioslave, Keb Mo, anything with James Hetfield in it, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, John Coletrane, Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chillie Peppers, Bob & Ziggy Marley, Shawn Mullins, Body Count, Ben Harper, Beethoven, Sonia Dada (live), Dave Matthews, Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker, Eminem, Andreas Vollenweider, Soul, Blues, Eric Ambel and the Roscoe Trio, Aerosmith, Gospel, Rap, Motley Crew, head-banging heavy metal, Alicia Keys, Motown, punk, British invasion, old-school stuff like Bob Dylan and Neil Young...

Movies:

Where do I start? To keep things (my version of), short… I loved March of the Penguins and Two Brothers and The Bear – beautiful animal movies...I love action and adventure movies..........ones that have an intricately devised plot and keep me on the edge of my chair.........I’m not really into romantic comedies or dramas, although there are a few I've really enjoyed. (I have enough romantic drama in my own life, without having to be reminded of it on-screen!) : ) I’d rather watch films that take me away from my life, and are an escape, or a beautiful revelation of the wonders of nature. Directors? Sophia Coppola, Brian DePalma, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Francois Truffaut.... I'll think of more...What The Bleep. Every single person, especially those that feel they are stuck in a rut, or lack satisfaction in their lives, should see this fillm. At least a couple of times.

Television:

My television was manufactured in 1980, I think. Maybe earlier? I mean, it has little silver knobs on the front that you’re supposed to turn to change the channels and weighs about 150 pounds. A friend gave it to me in ’95 when he was about to throw it away, and I’ve just never bought a new one. I mean, why buy a new T.V. when you could buy a pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos with that money or take a trip to Europe? : ) I don’t watch much ~ I’m usually too busy doing stuff..... Occasionally the Comedy channel, CNN, BBC news, or the History channel. I like well-written shows, not soap opera junk. Would I waste my time watching reality T.V.? No way! I just can't figure out why anyone would sit for hours watching someone else's fake, filmed life, when they have a life of their own to be living and experiencing? I'm not into living vicariously in that way.Although I DO love Sports Center on ESPN, baseball, football, basketball, hockey, motocross events, car racing, BMX competition and skateboarding competition. Oh, and the X-Games. Maybe if I had a juicey flat-panel plasma T.V., or whatever they’re called, I’d watch more television.

Books:

Probably the complete version of the Oxford English Dictionary is the MOST used book in my house. LOVE IT!I vacillate wildly between being a voracious reader that can hardly think of anything else….to being bored stiff by all the books on my shelves. It totally depends upon the mood I’m in, which of course can vary daily.A friend of mind just recommended a book that I’m trying to muster up the courage to read. It’s an exquisitely fascinating, probably life-changing monster of a book….so for right now I just look at it with trepidation and awe on the other side of the room, as I contemplate embarking upon its 600+ page cerebral show-down. Very charged material….Oh, and it’s entitled, “The Singularity Is Near,” by Ray Kurzweil. My goal is to have it read by my birthday, next February.I’m not really into fiction….mystery novels and fantasy worlds. I like real world writing. Non-fiction. Facts. Feelings. Technology. Psychology. Business. Metaphysics. Law. Website design. Ways of doing things better. New ideas taking root. History.Recently, I’m enjoying reading about my business, and the business of sales and marketing. (Because even if you are an artist, if you want to sustain a six-figure income, it’s all about contact management, establishing new business, and creating a legacy, right?) A GREAT, GREAT, book I’m reading on the subject of marketing is entitled, “The Ultimate Marketing Plan,” by Dan S. Kennedy. To all my independent business-owner-friends: Buy this book!I’m becoming a MASTER at cold calling, which is contributing greatly to growing my business. I attribute that to combining my innate sensitivity to people’s feelings, with the acquired skills I’m learning from books and other sales masters. One fabulous book on the business of cold calling is entitled, “Cold Calling Techniques, (that really work!),” by Stephan Schiffman. Cold calling and sales, after all, is about respecting and appreciating the people you are calling upon.I’m also in the middle of reading, “The Voice Actor’s Guide to Home Recording,” by Jeffrey P. Fisher and Harlan Hogan. I really, really, REALLY want a fabulous home recording studio to facilitate my voice-over career, and for a low tech girl that’s always worked in state-of-the-art studios….it’s a little intimidating to be creating this high-tech world, in my own home. This is a fabulous book on how to make that happen. And yes, I aspire to own a Neumann U 87!! I'm going to throw a HUGE party for all my friends, the day I actually buy one and use it!!I’m also reading a book entitled, “Origins,” by Richard Leakey. Truly amazing. And a fantastic book on the Law Of Attraction entitled, “Ask And It Is Given,” by Esther and Jerry Hicks….so….yes. I love to read.But….that said…I also love to read Cosmo, the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Scientific American and Maxim….so….I’m all over the map when it comes to reading….

Heroes:

Most of all: My amazing, incredible mother and father and sister and brother. David Belle....Louise Hay...John Hardy...Josh Blue... MItch Hedberg....John Belushi...Chris Farley....John Cleese......Gilda Radner....Frederick Leighton, Dave Chappelle, Christian Coigny, Herb Ritts, Monet, Richard Avedon, Kevin Aquion, David Yurman, Buckminster Fuller, Gustav Klimt, Ingres, Vince Varia, Michelangelo, Picasso.... Beethoven.... Ellen Von UnWerth...Darwin....Mark Twain....Einstein....Abraham-Hicks...I’ll think of others at some point....