Thursday, February 24, 2005

NECESSITIES

I am back. That’s right, after one month of nothing, it is time to get back in the blogging saddle and bang away on the keys about my so called crazy life i.e. “John’s Journal”. Now I promise that this one will not be a sappy sad reflection of negative events but more of a “moving on”, “got it out of my system” entry. I will say though that I was so surprised at the repercussions of my last “Softer Moments” entry. I was just feeling the need to get all of this crap off my chest, not looking to make waves or turn heads.

“Softer Moments” meant so much to me as far as honesty, though at the time I didn’t consider it to be more than just a scratch pad of emotions and thoughts strung together to make what I felt was very little sense. I submitted it to the people at Televest, our PR agency, who always proof read it and make sure that it’s not too obscene or gives any plotlines away too early. This is all done with very little communication between us; I type it, then send it, they read it and post it…done. This time though, I received a phone call from them asking if I really wanted to post this piece of “honesty” for all to see? “Yes, that’s what I signed on for by doing this journal series; my life and all the moments that are in it, both in good times and bad”. Personally I just couldn’t keep writing about all the so called bubble gum “I’m on a daytime soap” or “my life is perfect and glamorous now”stuff (though there have been and will be times I have to, LOL). NO! I am a regular guy who has an AMAZING opportunity to work with truly amazing individuals (writers/directors/actors/etc.) while living in a very hard city, facing everyday problems and concerns just like everyone else. That’s the real John Driscoll and if people don’t like or agree with me then please don’t read or respond to this journal, it’s that easy!

As comments poured in, we (Televest and I) realized that I may have hit on something that was a breakthrough. I really couldn’t say too much about it, but maybe, “Wow, that’s pretty cool” and then as I read all the supportive posts and stories similar to mine, it hit me. I am not alone when having these days and yes, I will get through this, so don’t be so hard on yourself (but also don’t forget it either)!

“All of us have had issues regarding friends and plans. Please do not be too hard on yourself. The reasons we do things are always a mystery. But try to take comfort in the fact that most people, myself included, can relate to your situation.” –NHFan

First, I want to say that I admire you for putting your feelings and emotions out here for everybody to read. It takes a lot of guts to open yourself up the way you have.”-Susan

“I also wanted you to know how much we appreciate your hard work on GL. We really do! I'm an actress too, and I know that when you mess up one thing, thats all you can think about. You may eventually get that one line right, but then the rest of your scene goes to hell. But just to let you know, I've never seen you have an "off day" on GL. You always do fantastic work.”-Erin

I read your post about work and it's kinda strange to read. I mean, most of the times we don't think about acting as a "job". I mean, we just see waht's on the air and that's it. Keep your chin up, I've watched you a couple times and I think you do a terrific job!!! Maybe I'll finally stop watching Days and make GL my soap of choice. I've heard such great things about it since Ellen Wheeler took over.”-Matt

These were just a few of the many responses that were received and I just have to say “THANK YOU” from the bottom of my heart, sincerely, for all your time and efforts responding to this. Whether you’ve been with me from the beginning “kick-off” blog or just tuned in because of the article in "Soap Opera Weekly" (I’ll get to that shortly), it makes no difference, your thoughts and opinions are read and taken into account and certainly appreciated.

As for the article that was written in “SOW”, well that came shortly after “Softer Moments” was posted. I was surprised actually that they (SOW) wanted to interview and get my thoughts and comments about this one in particular. I really don’t honestly remember all that I said and I’ve been so busy that I actually haven’t read it yet, but apparntly the gist was good and obviously so was the response. Let me just say if it wasn’t mentioned in the article that the meaning of “SM” wasn’t to point fingers at anyone or make anyone out to be a bad person, but rather my personal issues and thoughts about a certain work day in my life. I do want to thank SOW for taking the time to read my posts and sit down with me to understand my reasoning for it, when, because of the nature of the business and the rush rush rush of deadlines, we sometimes don’t get an opportunity to explain certain actions that are then misinterpreted.

Unfortunately, I must cut this Blog a bit short as I am at work, BUT, never fear because I’m back in the Blogging saddle with brand new crazy adventures. Trust me when I say that my next one will be STELLAR (and longer)! Most of the cast will be heading to Las Vegas this weekend for a charity event appearance so there will be stories to tell along with my thoughts and input as well as yours about the Daytime Emmy Awards and your thoughts on the nominations!!!! So sit back and get ready for more literary excitement with me. All the best and thanks again to all!

7 Comments:

Blogger Heather said...

John,
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to post on your blog... It's nice to see the "real" person behind an actor we see on tv daily. Plus, it helps to know that while it seems like you have a great life (charity events for ex) or a great job that you look forward to going to everyday, it is still nice to see that you are the same person with the same struggles we all face.

I've really enjoyed your scenes with Lizzie lately, and I'm glad the writers are finally giving you some consistent airtime! Thanks for posting and I'm looking forward to meeting you in FL in April!

February 24, 2005 at 7:04 AM  
Blogger Maggie said...

Dear John, (I've always wanted to say that LOL)
Anyway, I think you are doing a wonderful job on GL. You have absolutely made us love Coop.
I know it's tough to make mistakes in front of your superiors but I am sure they didn't get where they are without making a few themselves. It is good to know that you care enough to care.
They know a goldmine when they see one and you are one.
Keep up the good work.

February 24, 2005 at 8:14 AM  
Blogger Maggie said...

Dear John, (I've always wanted to say that LOL)
Anyway, I think you are doing a wonderful job on GL. You have absolutely made us love Coop.
I know it's tough to make mistakes in front of your superiors but I am sure they didn't get where they are without making a few themselves. It is good to know that you care enough to care.
They know a goldmine when they see one and you are one.
Keep up the good work.

February 24, 2005 at 8:15 AM  
Blogger Shanna said...

John,

Hey there!

First of all let me say that "SM" was great. It shows that "John Driscoll" is a real person who has good days and bad and can make mistakes and get past them. He's also someone who can be happy or sad; and you don't just represent the character you play on GL.

Thank you for sharing with us!

Secondly, I too am one that has been with your blog since day 1 and its great that you want your fans to see the real you -- Thank you!

You are doing an AWESOME job as Coop and I love to watch him with Lizzie... I've said this before but I'll say it again; Coop sees the person Lizzie is that no one else will take the time to see.... I love it. Can't wait to see more.

Hope you have a great time in Vegas and can't wait to hear about it. Have Fun!!!!

Continue the great Job! Hope to see you again in Oct.

Take Care,

Shanna

February 24, 2005 at 2:26 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I stumbled across this blog this morning from my own and kinda got sucked in. Some of it was like reading my own blog. It is so refreshing to read posts about someones flaws and insecurities that isn't my own. Best I can figure you are on a soap, but not one I watch (sorry). You sound like a really honest and down to Earth guy and that is a gift to find. Thank you for sharing your life - it makes it seem less nutty that I do the same knowing others have the same idea. Being yourself is hard to do even when your life isn't ever in the spotlight and so it must be tough when it is. I think I will bookmark this blog since it is so hard to find one as real as yours. Thank you for that.

--Lindy

February 26, 2005 at 5:57 AM  
Blogger Amanda said...

Hey John! I’m back from Vegas so I finally got to read your much anticipated blog entry. I had worried that after “Softer Moments” ended up being highly publicized you may have been a little shy about this whole blog thing. But you’re a brave one—not many people would put themselves out there as you have. It speaks volumes about your character.

Anyway! On a lighter note, I had a blast in Vegas—mainly because you were there. You were a lot of fun as always, and I was glad to be there for my friend Paula to meet you for the first time. She was greatly impressed! Before we went, she kept saying she couldn’t wait to meet you and Tom, and she was not disappointed. Also, it thrilled me to see that the GL crowd FAR outnumbered the other shows—maybe even all put together! That was a sure demonstration of the spirit of the show that you were all willing to turn out for a great cause (and for your fans).

On the Emmy note, I was a little disappointed with some of the noms. I know you had said you wanted Tom to be nominated “for the good of the show” due to his intense storyline this year. So, while I would have liked to see you nominated, I am happy for him and (in my humble opinion) if he doesn’t win there is just no justice in the world. I am still utterly confused and sorely dismayed that Beth Ehlers did not get her nomination. If it was up to me, she would not have room to put them all…but my goodness, all my bias aside—this was her year! But, on a good note…GL had the most nominations out of the CBS clan, and I don’t even remember the last time that was the case. I know GL gets jilted in the time slots in a lot of places, but I am thrilled that the show is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves.

I’m going on and on here, I know, but I have to say one more thing. Yesterday’s GL was the one where Coop “rescued” Lizzie from jumping/falling off the roof—once when she didn’t need it and once when she did. WOW! That tape will get a label and be preserved until the end of time. It was a great episode and you and Crystal both were incredible (maybe at least your leading lady will get her Emmy this year, eh?). Coop and Lizzie are my favorite storyline right now, which is really saying something when every storyline is absolutely riveting. Seeing that absolutely adorable smile on your (err, Coop’s) face is the icing on the cake. So, in a nutshell…I love it!

Before I have a novelette on my hands, I’ll close this out. I’ll be waiting with great anticipation for your next VA visit. Don’t forget Ricky’s cabaret in April—you should sing! Hopefully I’ll see you again before October gets here, anyway.

Take care and keep the blogs coming! HaHaHa!

Amanda
@michaelparkfans.com

March 3, 2005 at 2:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey john doe!
Whats going on? Not a lot here- okay a lot here. I have been reading your blog for a while- and thee's been a few times where you have asked about music. And I just got a great CD- I just posted a link on my blog!- It's jeremy Camp. You are obvisously a type of Christian so you may like it. It's kinda rockish and edgy. He's fun to mello out to or clean the house with. So you can check out his website at www.jeremycamp.com. Oh, I'm sure you know Bethany Joy Lenz-Once played Michelle, now is on One Tree HIll- For sure- you can DL samples of her songs, she has an amazing voice and the lyrics are just awesome to beat with. I'll bet you'll enjoy Jeremy Camp though. You should check him out.

March 13, 2005 at 6:33 AM  

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