Getting personal: My independent film, Lost In Sunshine, and indie documentary, What I Know For Sure

With eight hundred dollars in hand, I once took off alone to NY at the age of 19. Growing up in a small town (no, no, really small - population 300!) I somehow left with this fearless attitude that I could do anything I wanted. Call it naivety, call it good parenting. I had the will to shoot for my dreams, and I was off!!

It was two whole weeks before I returned back to Texas. :)

What I learned from that experience is what I didn't want to do. Very important. And that I wasn't so fearless. NY scared the shit out of me. I didn't know how to get around, talked the nice person at the closest convenience store into cashing my MO's when I needed them, and ate a lot of muffins for dinner. :)

By the time I was 21, I had lost a lot of what had once made me feel whole as a child - a real home to go home to, a long-term relationship, and a cohesive family that was stable and healthy.

In addition, I had shamefully dropped out of school, worked endless minimum wage jobs, and found my friends in less than desirable places. Yes, I was playing out a role that was full of insecurities, heartache, drugs, dishonest people, and a little hope... just barely hanging on to a valuable existence. There was even a time when I lived out of my car. I wasn't sleeping in it, which would've been very different, but I didn't have a home address. I stayed with friends, and worked as much as I had to - just to pay my car payment and for pizza.

Working on my current documentary, What I Know For Sure, and giving the audience an honest portrayal of me and my beliefs has been more challenging than I'd hoped. Consequently, it's forcing me to look into my past, and face what should've perhaps been faced long ago. Could this be the best therapy?

As I write, I realize this has become a bit of a dumping ground, too. But perhaps that's where my doubt, questions, and quest for the cosmos first arose - though those challenges.

Writing has always been an imperative tool for my sanity, too. I can't imagine my life without it, just as you wouldn't imagine living without air. And filmmaking is what brings everything and everyone together. Once it's created, it's like an imprint of your soul - waiting to be relived by others who are intrigued by the journey (or trailer!) enough to watch it.

As I move forward in my 30's, I find all of my hardships, past and present, to be highly beneficial! Mostly, because hard times are accompanied by something we can at least look back on and laugh about. Especially in writing Lost In Sunshine, my sweet disheartened baby, who also hangs on to hope... even when it feels hopeless.

And just look where we are now. :)

Thank you, Lyn and Bob, for making my life seem so flawless.
:)
Jentri

"What I Know For Sure is Nothing."
-Story Musgrave

Interviewing Story Musgrave for documentary, What I Know For Sure

What I know for sure about Story is that he's completely embraced his journey here on Earth. He's followed his dreams,
realized his potential, and literally - aimed for the stars. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with him, and have
him be a part of this magical experience with me. I can honestly say, today, I learned something significant about life (as we
know it) and beyond. I can't wait to share it with you in this documentary... may he inspire you, as he has me, to go after your dreams with fire and aim for beauty... coming soon... 2011-2012. J

Shad & Story


Jentri and Story

Interviewing Story Musgrave for documentary, What I Know For Sure

I'm excited and nervous to interview Story Musgrave tomorrow for my documentary, What I Know For Sure.

This man is AMAZING. I don't use that word too much, because I think it's one of the most overly used words of this decade. But he IS!!

Here's a short summary of his work from IMDB:

One of the most famous and most versatile NASA astronauts. He is not only a medical doctor, but also a chemist, mathematician, biophysicist, physiologist and computer scientist. Selected in 1967, he took part in as many as six Space Shuttle missions. He left NASA in 1997.

To get a taste of what he does and who he is, visit his website.

Wish me a good interview, and I promise to post behind the scenes pics for ya!

Join What I Know For Sure documentary on FB!

With hope & love, Jentri

ps. Story's created some of the most incredible sleep music I've ever gotten my hands on... or ears on! If interested, GO HERE.