So right when I think I could take a little break life throws me some more awesome gigs! Thank goodness I have at least two days to rest though because this ankle of mine is swollen like a sponge in the coral reef.  It will hopefully go down before this Thursday because I have been asked to model for the Society of Illustrators.  I’ll be busting out my best 1950’s lady for their drawing pleasure.  I’m very excited to work with them!

Then on Saturday I’m spending my morning with one of my favorite photographers, Sophie Spinelle, helping out at a bachelorette photo shoot.  We always have such fun and considering we are hoping to hop over to the Dyke March after that, it will be so super fun! From there I will be going over to perform in HyperGender’s Pride show! the line up is amazing and from what I’ve heard more amazing acts have been included!  It’s totally worth checking out for your Pride weekend.

Then to continue with the theme of Pride awesomeness, the PiC and I will be meeting up with friends to go to the NYC Pride Parade! I’m excited to see just exactly how New York brings it because you know it’s going to be massive. Sadly I won’t be going to any after parties because I will need to scurry my little tookus over to Bar on A for Kitty Nights! My dear friend Fem Appeal runs this great show full of veterans, neophites and hosting hilarity.  It’s a great way to either wind down your weekend or wind up for the coming week!

Hopefully though I’ll see you all out at something or another and remember, nothing anyone says can change who you are on the inside.

huggles and kisses!

I’ve been all sorts of busy as of late.  If not hanging with friends, helping friends prepare for Vegas or going to MoMa with friends, I’ve been busy making our house more of a home.  I am happy to say that since signing a new lease I’ve been in domestic goddess mode.  We did a spring clean from top to toe which included reorganizing, storing and getting rid of old stuff.  I still can’t believe I put together 3 bags of clothes for goodwill!  We also went to my Mecca and bought some more furniture to replace what was our subleasors from before.  We really love the flow we have now and it has made my baking side spring to life.  Last week, I shared Triple Salted Caramel Cupcakes I made from Sprinkle Bakes.  Mine looked just like the pictures sans the caramel rounds, those did not want to work with me (I think it was a heating issue) but no one minded as they were devoured by all they were shared with.  It’s been good times.

One thing I did do was go to see Marina Abromovic with World Famous *BoB* and it was just so moving.  Recreations and photos cannot even begin to express the depth and emotion of Marina’s pieces but they still made my soul quiver with energy.  Seeing Marina there, she is such a beautiful soul, was awe inspiring.  The current piece she was doing just seemed so giving of herself and her spirit, I could not imagine doing for a day what she had done for over a month and a half.  I feel like it opened me up to a new chapter in my art.

As far as my art goes as well, I have a nice schedule for this month!  I will put more details up as the dates get closer but if you want to mark your calendars…

• June 12th, Art Monkey’s Ball, The Red Lotus Room from 6-12
• June 13th, Guyz and Dollz: A Benefit for MADRE, China 1 NYC at 8
• June 26th, HyperGender, WoW Cafe Theater at 8
• June 27th, Kitty Nights, Bar on A at 9

This is of course not to say other things may not be added to the schedule or  that I’m not doing private events but why bring those up

I’m looking forward to all that this summer has to hold and if it all goes like last night did, it will be amazing.  Last night I was a guest at Jo Weldon’s Book Release Party.  It was awesome!  Not just the guests, or the show, or the food or the book, but everything!  I got to meet Bambi Sr. and Bambi Jr.  which was totally surreal and amazing, I even got my picture taken with them and Bambi the Mermaid.  It was a quartet of Bambis!  The book is just incredible.  There is so much good information in there as well as anecdotes and history.  It is by far a MUST read for any burlesque performer, beginning or veteran. Being able to share that moment with Jo felt special, to me at least, plus we saw Moby (another guest) and that totally jazzed PiC.

So off to do some more baking I think.  There are few black bananas that are just begging to be put out of their misery and made into bread.

Huggles and Kisses everyone!

I am actually feeling really blessed right now so I figured I’d take the second to just share.

Last night was a little rough for reasons outside of my control.  I was reminded of the hatred in the world and no matter how beautiful someone tries to make themselves on the outside, if they are ugly on the inside that will always shine through.  I was given some news, which I do believe the person that gave it to me was trying to be helpful but honestly people who hate were born to hate and they will continue to hate no matter how much you wish they wouldn’t.  It’s not your place to change them, it’s just your place to stay above it.

That is not to say I am not human and so I reached out to my burlesque family and got a warm comforting hug back from them.  They reminded me of the things I just said above and that anyone who has worked with me in any capacity knows the truth.  That meant a lot.  I even had some extended members of this family I call burlesque reach out, people that have met me once or twice or had heard of me from other, more honest folk.  That meant so much.  These performers were the purest epitome of class and beauty.

In a world where everyone is trying to get ahead, burlesque is the one place we should be able to pick each other up.  I’m glad to know that the people I associate with know that and the people who are no longer in my life, well, my life is better for it.

In other exciting news, I have a show booked tentatively for in June as long as my healing is going properly. I can only pray that by that time I am able to perform again.  It’s up to the doctors though.  I miss the stage so much.  I miss the camaraderie backstage, the talking through routines and concepts with others, helping others with their routines.  It has been a long road thus far.  Luckily I have been blessed with amazing friends that have sent me gifts, cards, visited and called me to check in.  Even if it was just a pop in one afternoon, knowing that they could take time away from their life to spend time with me, even if it was just an online chat, means the world.  No matter what happens from the broken ankle, my true friends have made themselves known and I love them all.

Speaking of friends! One of them invited Heidi and I out to her show this Sunday.  World Famous *Bob* is performing her one man show for the third time at Joe’s Pub.  I helped Bob by transcribing it from her first show and I can say that it is one of the most amazing pieces I have ever had the pleasure to hear.  And now to go and see it live! I’m beside myself.  This is definitely worth going out on a Sunday for.  I’m also a little glad I have it to distract me since I had a show booked for that night that the doctors had not cleared me for so what better way to not dwell on your inability to perform (which if I was staying in, I would do) than to go see someone who inspires you perform.  I’m satisfied with the trade off if I couldn’t be performing myself. So if you are in the NYC area and want to do something Sunday and are in Brooklyn, come to Joe’s Pub.  If you are in Manhattan though you can go catch Kitty Nights, it will be missing me but it will still be fab.

Huggles and Kisses

Yesterday was my third birthday as a burlesque performer.  If you had told me that Wednesday night 3 years ago I would move to NYC to pursue a career further in burlesque I would have thought you were insane.  I would have thought that was out of my league.  Now I know that I have grown as a performer and that I just feel the growth continuing.

I celebrated yesterday by going to my favorite store in Brooklyn, Re/Dress and just ogling all of their fineries.  There’s a dress I REALLLLY want but being of the unemployed beast I didn’t get it.  Then I went down to the Slipper Room and took a class with Jo Boobs and Julie Atlas Muz.  Both such incredible women and I really gained a lot from the teachers and my fellow students. Then it was off to meet the POC at Kitty Nights.  It was a fun show with cute acts.  Good times were had and we truly enjoyed ourselves.

I feel like I am assimilating into living in New York very well.  I am catching onto the subway system which is good.  I actually have had people ask me for directions!  That’s always a good sign.  Things over all just feel calmer in the spirit here.  Maybe that’s cause we haven’t been around long enough to be part of any drama but that’s ok by me.

Oh, I am so sorry for my slacking on everything.  While I do love love love New York the majority of my energies have been going into trying to find employment.  My mind gets so one tracked and it’s all I can focus on.  Hopefully soon though.  I actually have had a few interviews and have at least one more lined up with a wait on a phone call as well.

So yeah, I’m going to try to make myself post atleast twice a week and do a video blog once a week.  Maybe one written post and one video, I don’t know.  We shall see though but I will do more to stay in contact with you all.  And I am going to focus this upcoming year on fine tuning my performances.  Making them sparkle more, making them more wow factor and such.

Huggles and kisses

Oh my goodness, new York City is turning out to be a great trip this time around.  Had an amazing night Saturday with my brother, his friends and the PiC.  We went to the Pinchbottom’s “The Bawdy House”.  Everyone in it was amazing as they ever are.  It’s such an inspiration to see such performers.  Afterwards the PiC and I headed over to the Bowery Poetry Club to catch BadAss!  I love that show.  I was really happy to see Velocity Chyld’s knife number, talk about dark and sexy.

Sunday was spent sleeping in and going to a photo shoot.  I had so much fun and I’m really excited to see the artwork that comes out of it.  It’s going to be intense and I love intense.  Kitty Nights at Bar on A was great!  The line up was wonderful.  I even got a standing date with Ferro!  I’m so excited to go out with that sexy man.  No worries, I’m not leaving the PiC anytime soon.  We also ran into some great old friends, Belle Curves and Grace’s Anatomy not to mention all out friends in the show.  We had a blast.  We also made some new friends and had more fun that can even be expressed in words.  Life is full of new experiences, that’s for sure.

So today kind of ended up being a wash.  We had hoped to go out but were so pooped getting in at 8 am that we just crashed and then hung with Kissy Wishes and Weirdee Girl.  Did go out long enough to get some coffee though, that was nice.  Tonight will be exciting though.  I’m nervous about debuting my fire tassels here in NY.  I’ll have my amazing safety with me though and it’s with the crew of Wasabasco so I’ll be surrounded by loved ones.  IT will be good.

Phew, longer than I thought but I think I’m going to try to shut my eyes for a few and then get ready for the show.  We are planning for another intense night.

huggles and kisses!

I have been gone all but one day and already I want to be back.  The lights, the sounds, the people, they make me feel at home.  I had such an amazing experience and the PiC did as well.  I will do my best to recreate all the fabulousness for you all but it will be hard to remember everything and to put it into words.

So we arrive crazy late Friday, actually Saturday morn and it was snowing!! We’ve been told here in DC to forget about snow for Christmas so that felt like a gift unto itself.  Max the Magician was kind enough not only to open his home to us but to also pick us up, thank goodness.  It was craziness trying to just figure out where we were, lol.  We get to the apartment and promptly crash and burn.  It was nice.

The next morn we got up and I was super excited because the PiC was finally going to get to meet one of my super idols, World Famous *Bob*! She had invited us over for brunch so we went and she made this amazing Mexican egg dish thingy that was to die for.  Moviestar was as loving as ever and remembered me which of course felt good and fell instantaneously in love with PiC, go figure. We talked and played with the poodle noodle and just had a relaxing morning until it was time to leave and then we went back to the apartment to prepare for the evening of debauchery.  We were going to try and fit as many shows as possible into one night, I mean, when in NY for a weekend you got to make it worthwhile!  

So we primp and prep and head down to the Slipper Room to celebrate three years of Dr. Sketchy’s.  We saw Molly Crabapple there who was just as lovely as I remembered her.  I also saw my dear friend Fem Appeal who is so professional and funny and gorgeous, and booked me in her show I also met Nic Sin who is better known as the Mini Marylin Manson.  I bet he hates this term, most men do, but he was a cutey.  I got to say, not a bad looking man.  Not switching teams anytime soon but a girl can still appreciate. I also ran into Perle Noir who I was to be performing with the next day.  She’s also from New Orleans so I felt a kinship to her from that, stunning lady.

From the Slipper Room we skirted off to Union Hall to catch two shows in one! First we saw a fabulous recreation of a classic christmas story, “How the Pinch stole X-mas”.  I must tell you, I liked it better than the original.  Johnny was so fun to watch acting it up and Nasty Canasta was her usual saucy sexy self.  My favorite honeys were there, Gigi La Femme and anita Cookie.  Gigi made the PiC’s christmas by performing her favorite routine that I don’t perform, her spanking number, it’s goooood.  Anita was as cute as a latke and I adore her even more so now.  Tigger was also in the first show and I have to say, photos don’t do this man justice.  You can’t even begin to capture his energy and sincerity in those photos but I have to say I fell in love.  Tigger, you are in my heart forever now and I can only hope I am ever so blessed to perform with you some day, I wish upon a star for that.  Clams Casino also did her oh too cute irish christmas jig which meant we got to hang with Neil O’Fortune in the audience, yay! There I also met Allen the photographer who had amazing pics from their christmas the year before. After that show ws over there was another one this time including Sapphire Jones.  What a tall glass of water that one is! I never feel short but this girl had legs upon legs! A fun show that was too!  Doc was accommodating and sweet like he always is and I hope he knows I would help then out in any way I could think to.  It was a great place to see some fabulous performances by some performers I like to consider friends.

Then we rushed off to catch BadAss! at the Bowery Poetry Club, told you we went everywhere!  The band Trauma Team was already playing when we got there but we were able to catch their song Toxic Shock Syndrome, a new favorite me thinks.  I fell in love with the concept of the show and truly hope that I can work something out to perform in it someday.  IT’s burlesque pushed ot the edge, not your pretty soft burlesque but your in your face, make you a little uncomfortable and like it burlesque.  It started off with this beautiful song being sung by Melody Sweets that ended up with a corseted blindfolded Stormy Leather underneath her skirt, hot! Fifi Dupree performed as the cutest vomiting devil I’ve ever seen, lol.  Ferro a gorgeous hula hooper was an eye pleaser, as was *Bob* tribute to Bettie Page.  Tigger performed the same routine but to metal and sans bottoms, amazing!  Whenever I need a laugh in a politicall incorrect way I’ll just think cripple dance.  Velocity Chyld and Nik Sin both showed movies they created, both amazing in their own different ways.  Nik’s was shot by Val Kilmer and was about a disgruntled elf and Velocity’s was a music video shot with her band Vulgarus.  Wow.  My favorites of the night had to be Darlinda just Darlinda’s Mary/ Jesus, number and Julie Atlas Muz’s performance piece.  Both, very different but awe inspiring in their own rights.  I was so inundated by talent that I was in talent shock.  Of course there were performers in the audience as well, my lovah, Weirdee girl was there as was the sexy bitch Aurora Boobrealis. I also met the photographer Ed Barnas which was neat! We didn’t get home till at least 3 or 4 and I don’t think I fell asleep till well after 5 just being hopped up on inspiration.

The next morn weall piled in Max’s car once more and went to SxyB for brunch.  We were met up by Weirdee Girl and Menace.  I love that dude.  He’s so laid back and a perfect compliment to Weirdee Girl, much like I feel about my PiC.  We ate deliciousness and talked about all sorts of nonsense. We then headed back to the apartment so I could rehearse and get everything together.  I knew I wouldn’t know if I was to be barefoot or not till I got to the venue, the Bar on A, so I rehearsed both ways.  We left early which was ok cause I got ot get ready there.  Fem was already there and prepared, we hung out, Weirdee showed up and we goofed off then everyone else showed.  Fifi, Stormy, Perle and our hostess with the incredible mostess, Shelly the singing siren.  What a woman! The show went without a hitch. This also thanks to LaMona our pick up and Philly caramel our door gal.  I was really well received. They loved the cookies.  Shelly was too great a host.  The audience was awesome.  Aurora was there, as was RunAround Sue, Plum and Della Dare.  There were a few other girls but their names are escaping me, I’m sorry!!! Tina, a family friend also made though she did miss my routine, it was still awesome to see her.  There was talk of going to an afterparty but we ended up just staying at the bar having a blast. Weirdee Girl and I were like two little high schoolers which is fun in and of itself.   Well high schoolers in their parent’s liquor cabinet, lol.  Another night in which we did not get home till probably around 3.

Monday was spent in the Garment District.  I was so overwhelmed by everything they had and wanted to buy it all up!  I did get quite a bit but held onto a little bit of cash so I could get the items to attach all the doodads to! I am too excited to get creating which I will probably do tonight since I have another show at the end of the week.  Yes, that right, I perform in NY just to come home and perform in DC.  Saturday I will be at my home of Palace of Wonders performing in the Rockabilly Creature Feature with the adorable Lizzie Furr.  Expect 3 routines from each of us and the amazing men of Brokedown Playboys.  They will get you worked into a frenzy I tell ya!

So come out, it will be good after Christmas fun!

Here’s a pic of the silliness that is Weirdee Girl and I.And here’s the info for the show on Saturday!

Huggles and Kisses and many merry wishes!

So yesterday was the sentencing of Patricia Yarrow.  She was sentenced with 30 days in jail, 18 months suspended and 2 years probation.  Patricia Yarrow also has to pay me restitution as part of her probation.  It was something, not what I think she deserved but I have to say I slept the fittest sleep I have slept since all of this started last night knowing she was in jail.  For those that don’t know or have forgotten, Patricia Yarrow was my best friend and roommate that stole my identity.  After running the court around for a year she finally plead guilty to 2 counts federal felony of Identity theft, 2 misdemeanors or credit card fraud and one 2nd degree count of theft.  If it had gone to trial there was going to be 9 different charges.  Bet she didn’t realize that.  So she got off lucky, but not easy.  I will make sure to that.

Amazingly this does not slow down my life at all!  Last weekend I was Mrs. Claus at the Baltimore GLBT Center Christmas Craft and Art Fair.  It was so much fun.  Ian was a sweetheart and a great host and Paul was my wonderful partner in crime as Santa.  We were devilishly good and yet so sweet.  Maybe we were sweet from the delicious red velvet/buttercream cupcakes they had, my ultimate favorite!!!

But this week is not any lighter, I will be hosting the DC Gurly Show Newbie and Business meeting tomorrow at Be Bar.  It will be a meeting in which we will discuss future dates along with other business and always remember to stay after for the show!  It will be divine.

Friday night I’ll be in Baltimore making an appearance at the JF Christmas Show.  There will be some really awesome music and the sexy ladies of Gilded Lily wandering around.  Come on out and share a drink or two

Then I’ll be whisked off to the great city of New York! The PiC and I are going to be staying with an amazing gentleman and visiting with many amazing people.  Including Moviestar!! I miss that little poodlehead and her owner of course We have many brunches, many shows and many stores planned and I will also be performing when I’m there, oh yeah!  I will be at the Bar on A on Sunday night performing in Kitty Nights doing a new Christmas number (what the heck am I doing performing a new number in NY!!!) it will be a blast of fun times you don’t want to miss if you can help it!

I just hope I remember to bring my camera to show you all fabulous photos of the fun had in NY.  I love going into that city, and I am planning to do it more often come the new year! Mark my word.  

So now I’m probably going to get an early night to bed and it will be another blissful sleep of knowing justice may take time but it will eventually be served.

huggles and kisses!

First I have to start this section by thanking all those that opened their homes to me. Claire, Jonah, Monkey, Cat, Bob and Movie Star, thank you for welcoming into your personal spaces and treating me like family. It’s so wonderful to be in such an amazing city especially when you have such amazing friends to spend your time with.

Oh my goodness!!! It was amazing. I had the best time this past weekend plus and I cannot wait to come back to New York and do it again. I started off my trip crashing with some friends I had met through my church, is it really a surprise that I’m religious? Didn’t think so. It was great. They actually had to go out of town so it was kind of like having my own apartment with a puppy in the city! I spent Saturday at Coney Island where I got to see the Freak show. This is a definite MUST when you come to New York people. The performers are so professional and the feats are awesome to watch. It was great just watching the virgin responses from the audience. I then left and went to get a hotdog from Nathan’s, YUMM! While doing this I got a text asking me to come back to the show. My friend Serpentina was able to come out and hang inbetween sets with me. We talked, she brought out her puppy Butch, and I drank Coney Island Albino Pythons. I also got to meet her family! Her mom and some neice and nephews stopped by and I played with them. I then just walked the park and boardwalk eating cotton candy. I played one carnival game and actually won 3 goldfish. I get to the sad part quickly, they did not make it, one not even the trip back to the apartment. At least they didn’t have to perish in plastic bag. It was so cool to win though, carnival games seem to be the only thing I can win at, stangely enough.

That night I met up with my friend DeeDee Vega and one of her boys, Noah. We went out to Fontana’s in Manhattan and saw this kick butt band, Polka Madre. It was some sort of cross between Polka, Mariache, Classical and at times sounded Yiddish. It was a lot of fun. It was so cool to hangout and have people willing to take you places. We rounded the evening off by going to get food where I had the most incredible mac n’ cheese. There was bacon in it, yumm!

The next day I get a call from World Famous *Bob* asking if I had plans. I told her no so she invited me down to a show she was in as part of NYC’s Fringe Fest. “The Home for Wayward Girls and Fallen Women,” was incredible. I want to try and name everyone in the show but I’m afraid I’ll forget someone and they’ll think it was because I didn’t like their number but all the numbers were AWESOME! I finally got to see some numbers that I’ve only been able to enjoy in photos. Big difference. The pictures don’t do them justice. And everyone was soooo nice! Bob introduced me to a bunch of her friends, Ricky, Micheal, Russia, Ira and Chris. Such lovely personalities and they welcomed me into their circle with open arms. I also met a magician named Max who was really stellar. He was going to go to Kitty Nights later that evening and I asked if I could tag along. Not only did he let me come with him but he treated me as his date as well as Lady Lucerne. It was truly sweet. It’s been a while since a fella bought my meal and drinks! Don’t worry folks much time was spent talking about PiC. It was neat though cause it turned out we all had a passion for New Orleans and were planning to move there!

So then we went to Kitty Nights. The host, Princess Sunshine was a riot. I loved her the moment I saw her crooked crown. Everything was just so funny. The performers were incredible. Max won the raffle for a second time. He had won it previously at the Fringe Fest. I had a great time but it was time for me to get some rest as I had a big show the next day!

I said my goodbyes to Claire and Jonah as it was time to head to Bob’s and Cat’s. I got there safe and was greated warmly by Movie Star. I brought a gift for her so that definitely helped to win her affections. She loved it! Actually took it to bed with her later that night! We had coffee and talked but then Bob had some errands to run so I figured I’d go spoil myself in NYC. I headed down to Ricky’s on Broadway. It was incredible. I could have spent 3 hours in there, as it was I only spent an hour and a half. I did however walk out with new lipstick, eyeshadows, eyeliner, nailpolish, and wigs. Two amazing incredible wigs. I did a little bit more shopping and bought some sequins, a top and a dress. Very successful excursion. I headed home happy and ready to get prepped for the show and Bob cooked us the most wonderful veggie/tofu stirfry. Got to keep the energy up before the show!

The show itself was so worth the entire trip. I met such incredible people. Atta Girl who was also in the Fresh Faces portion was so much fun and such a gem to watch on stage. I felt that we really clicked and I can’t wait to see this girl again. It meant so much to me that Bob came out for the show in support. I was so nervous that something would go wrong. There are a lot of elements that if they decide they dont’ want to work I just have to deal with on stage. It went great though, everyone laughed and gasped and clapped and cheered. I got great feedback not just from the audience but from backstage too. Dr Lucky, Darlinda Just Darlinda and Clams Casino were all part of the headlines along with Ruby Valentine and Pinkie. They were all so sweet and kind and it just took my breath away. For them to treat you as an equal was so re-enforcing that I am doing the right thing. That I am making this happen for myself. Bob and I only stayed for the first half as we had big plans for the next day so we said our goodbyes and headed home.

Tuesday was one of my favorite days from the trip. Basically it was just Bob and I hanging out. She is so full of knowledge and life experiences that I felt like I couldn’t contain all the wonderful advice she was giving me. I will forever hold some of those keynotes in my heart forever though. We went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to celebrate life and nature and milestones. It was so beautiful and lush. We took pictures of the flowers and just enjoyed sitting in the grass in the shade of a cherry tree. We had a lovely lunch and just enjoyed each other’s company. I am really blessed that I can call her more than a performer or an associate but that I feel confidant to call her a friend. We found these really cute buttons at the gift shop and she got herself sweet tooth and I got scatter brain. I also got the PiC trophy wife, she enjoyed that.

Before I knew it it was time for me to head back to the nation’s capitol. I said my goodbyes with some sadness but glad to be coming home to my crazy kitten and the PiC (partner in crime). I also knew it wouldn’t be my last trip to New York. After the time I had and the contacts I made, even if not for a show that I’m performing in, I will always have a space in the New York burlesque scene. I am so glad and thankful that Wasabasco gave me this opportunity. It was more than I could have asked for.

huggles and kisses to old friends and new!