30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 11

What's in your make-up bag?

Ummm, make-up.  The make-up bag  have been currently using actually came from my friend Joe's girlfriend Amanda who works at Ulta.  The greatest things that are in that bag are my Urban Decay Naked and Naked2 eye shadow pallets!  They're amaze balls and I adore them.  I don't generally wear a lot of make-up anymore since I wear so much when I'm doing burlesque shows.  It feels a lot like work.  My basic I'm going out look is eye liner, eye shadow, some mascara, lip stick and powder and that's pretty much it.  I hate putting on foundation, I hate putting on fake eye lashes even more.  I really miss my MAC StudioFX because it was a heavy powder that was kind of between powder and foundation so I could be lazy.  I should probably get some more of that.

Exciting, right?

2015-01-11: The Candy Box Review

Tonight was the inagural show of The Candy Box Review. at Smith's Olde Bar.  I was supposed to perform, but due to personal circumstances I ended up in the audience taking pictures instead.  I was able to get some amazing photos of almost all of the acts except for Tora Torrid's routine because I literally made it about three notes in to her song before I cried my eyes out.  With everything that has been going on I wasn't ready to see that particular number.  Please know that she did an amazing job and it was absolutely beautiful which is why I broke so hard.  I was very lucky to have Lola Le Soliel there as my friend holding my hand as it started because I told her I didn't know if I was ready for it.  She held my hand, handed me tissues and put her head on my shoulder and just let me cry it out.  I'm not big on sobbing in public, but it was both a blessing and a curse.  I needed to let it out and I needed to do so with someone that I trusted.  It was very hard for me, so I got a drink right after her routine, but it was also very good for me because I have been trying to hard to control my emotions (which ends up exploding in a hail of crazy when I try to just suppress it) that it really meant a lot that I felt safe enough to just cry and let go of a lot that I've been storing up this past week.

The show, over all, was amazing and I am super proud of Ursula Undress.  I mad the joke that I was England and I've had a lot of colonies over the year but she was my America.  I've fucked up and drawn lines where they shouldn't have been, but she figured out how to make it work.  I am so very proud of her and honored to call her my friend.

I have a lot of amazing photos you can see HERE, but as I didn't take a single photo of Tora's number I'll post the YouTube link so you can maybe understand why I broke if you've been following my blog.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 10

A photo of your favorite place to eat.

My most favorite restaurant in the world is Coop's Place in New Orleans.  B and I were down in New Orleans when our friend Cecily who lived there recommended it to us and we were hooked.  Last time that B had an install in New Orleans, which was about two years ago, he went and got my favorite meal which is their cajun pasta and he packed it in a cooler and brought it home to me.  It is one of the sweetest things that anyone has ever done for me.  Below is not only a pic of the restaurant, but a pic from the meal he brought me home.  I had taken a picture and posted it on Instagram so I was able to find it.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 9

Picture of the last thing you bought: Rum and Diet Coke

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 8

A song and photo to match my mood.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 7

Dream Wedding....ummm.....I don't think the details will matter as long as it's with the right person.  I used to think I wanted a big wedding but I just want to spend the rest of my life with the right person regardless of how we get there, wedding or not.

I think people focus so much on getting married and the details of the wedding that sometimes they don't realize whether or not the person and relationship is right.  I've known a lot of people that have had elaborate weddings that have gotten divorced shortly there after.  I also know many people who had simple weddings in back yards and court houses that have been together for years.  It's about the person, not the wedding itself.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6

Photo of an animal you'd like to have as a pet

I have had many pets over the years and honestly I would be happy to have almost any pet because the unconditional love is very comforting, not to mention the fuzziness.

When I was little I always wanted a pet iguana.  I have had a guinea pig, cats, dogs, fish, a snake, but never an iguana.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

As I forgot to do one yesterday, you get a second one today.

A picture of myself from two years ago.  This is from a photoshoot I did for B for Valentine's Day 2013.  I couldn't find anything for January 2013 so that's as close as two years ago as I can get.  I had done a photoshoot for him years ago as well with Moonbird Designs.  He picked out the outfit that I wore for this.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

Got distracted yesterday and didn't get to do my post so I am doing it now.

Favorite photograph of your best friend.  So...here's where it get complicated, technically my best friend is also my boyfriend. However, I do also have my best friend who I have known since I was five who is generally who I refer to as my best friend because it's less complicated then explaining to people that my boyfriend is also my best friend...like I am doing now.  So, I guess I'll put up pictures of both?

Also I really hate the term best friend anyway.  I feel like it's very alienating in general.  Your partner should also be your best friend because only besties would ever put up with the crap that happens in a relationship.  Other friends though, outside of B, as I said, Andy is who I generally refer to as my best friend, but there's also some other very amazing friends that I have that, though I don't get to see them as often are also very close to me that I would also put them very high up on the bestie scale.  So, to back it all back up, here are pictures of both B and of Andy...maybe I can find a good one of them together...or all three of us together.  B and I have been together for 10 years, Andy and I have been friends FOREVER and the three of us have been having out together fairly consistently for the past 10 years, there has to be something, right?

Actually shocked that I couldn't find a decent pic of all three of us together or of B and Andy together.  So here are some assorted pics of B and I along with assorted pics of Andy and I as well.  I guess this is what I get for trying to pull pics from Facebook.  I guess I need to get to taking more pics of the three of us.

January Performer Spotlight: Mary Strawberry

Photo by Costello Knight

I have had the pleasure of seeing Mary Strawberry grow as a performer from her kittening, to very first performances to where she is now.  She has come a very long way and has grown a lot as a performer in a very short period of time.

1. How did you come up with your stage name and tag line?  Does it have a special meaning to you?

My name comes from my Great Aunt Mary, who I was named after, and who meant a lot to me. She was very active during WWII and even in her later days was full of life and kindness. I found out shortly after I started using my stage name that my Dad, whom I am very close to, had wanted my first name to be Mary. Strawberry is a combination of my love of the fruit, the color of my hair, and the fact that rhyming names are easier to remember. 

My current tagline - onstage or off stage, she's sure to dazzle you with her...wits! - just came to me in a moment while preparing for a show. I like it because it reminds people that I'm also a technician, and I enjoy intelligent conversations and learning, while still being sexy. 

2. How did you get started in burlesque?

I've always been fascinated by the human body; the shapes it has and the way it moves, and I've always been passionate about dancing. It seemed like a logical progression from there. I love that I can combine so many things that I'm passionate about while empowering myself and other people to feel good about themselves and their bodies. Technically my first strip was my senior project for my BA in performance studies... My project was on the difference between sexuality and sensuality and the use of the body in performance and art. My mom was in the front row. It was very nerve-wracking.

3. What has been your best moment as a performer so far?

Being able to travel more and being so warmly welcomed everywhere I go has been great. I've been invited to potlucks, shows, and other great events across North America and it really warms my heart and makes me love this community so much more. 

On a more serious note, I had a devastating moment earlier this year where I got my first festival rejection letter. However, I took it in stride and instead of getting defensive, I decided use it to recognize that I have a lot more work to do in order to improve myself as a performer. It's really motivated me to take more classes, talk with more performers, and spend more time and energy practicing and perfecting all the elements of my acts.

4. What is your favorite act to perform?

I love all my acts for different reasons. They're all so distinct from each other. Sasquatch has probably been on the top of my choreographed numbers though, since I always get such interesting reactions to it. I've gotten everything from nonstop laughter to people feeling strange about how hot they thought it was to appalled looks. I've even had people say they see it as my signature act. It adds something to the experience when the audience can both enjoy the show and feel changed by it. 

5. What is your burlesque dream show?

I'd love to eventually showcase something at BHoF (Burlesque Hall of Fame) in Vegas. It's a great place to see incredible acts from around the world, and I've met some wonderful performers and true friends while attending and working backstage there. I'm not to that level yet, but I will be someday! For now, I'm hoping to be able to workshop a new number at BurlyCon next fall. I have so much respect for the opinions of my peers, especially when they have been dancing longer than me.

Photo by Marc Turnley

6. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I'd love to continue to travel as a dancer. It's one of my favorite parts of this job because not only do I get to do what I love, I also get to meet wonderful people and see new places along the way. Five years from now it would be great, although very ambitious, to be able to say that I've performed in at least half the states and a handful of other countries.

7. Tell us something outside of burlesque that you are involved or interested in.

My "day job" is actually still very artistic. I design and build sets, props, and costumes for theaters all over Atlanta and currently teach theater carpentry at a grade school and a university. It's been an interesting challenge trying to keep my two lives separate at certain times!

8. What do you think is your greatest skill, not including burlesque?

I'm a doer, not a talker. If I have a dream, even if it's intimidating or lofty, I will find a way to make it happen. It drives me crazy when people talk about their dreams and desires but never do anything to achieve them. Working hard to be happy and do what I love is so gratifying and fulfilling, and has taken me a long way in life already.

9. What are you most looking forward to this year as a burlesque performer? As a civilian?

As a performer I'm most looking forward to getting my first festival acceptance as a solo performer. I got to compete, and win, with the Greater Atlanta Goddess Society this fall and it was a great experience. Now I'm hoping that all my hard work and positive energy will get me accepted on my own.

As a civilian, I just finished my application for grad school. I've fallen in love with a program out in Austin, Texas, a city I visited for the first time this summer, and I'd love to use it to deepen my understanding of the history of performance arts and become a better performer. If I'm accepted, I'll be the first woman in my family to get a masters degree.

10. Who is your favorite performer to watch?

There are so many! I'm infatuated with a lot of the Seattle performers... I'll admit I had to contain a fangirl freakout last summer when Waxie Moon asked me to help him with his costume backstage at BHoF. Getting to go to BurlyCon this year and take classes with Iva Handfull, Paris Original, and so many other incredible performers was mind-blowing. I'm always amazed by the very athletic performers who clearly spend a lot of time perfecting their craft. I also love edgy artists who break expectations, like Bunny Mew-Guns, Tigger!, and World Famous Bob.

Photo by Marc Turnley

Upcoming shows:

8- Burlesque Atlanta Society January Meeting, Elliot St. Pub, Atlanta, GA

13- Syrens of the South Tease Tuesday, Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, GA

16- Last Pasties Standing, Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, GA

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

My favorite store, really?  I don't really like to shop.  In a perfect world I would be able to just buy everything off Amazon and have it delivered to my house because going into stores after while drains me and gives me a head ache.

Two days before Christmas B and I went to go get presents for his family and in about an hour we were both exhausted, drained and cranky just from being there.  By the time we got home we were just so very done I think we just sat on the couch like mindless drones.

Seriously, shopping is terrible.  I guess I'll just say if you have to shop, shop local and help out your local artists and economy!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

So, as per my previous blog post I am very sick and haven't really eaten much today so my below picture is pretty much what I have had for most of the day outside of a few drinks after working on cleaning the house to kind of help me unwind and the glass of Dr. Pepper I am currently drinking because it cuts through the lung butter nicely.  Oh, and I did eat the left over Mac'n'Cheese when after my couple of drinks, but I ate that super fast and didn't think to take a picture of it.  So yeah this is basicly what I have eaten today.  Note that the bottle of OJ was full when I picked it up around noon today.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1

I did this last year and thought it would be a good thing for me to do again.  Different challenge so different writing prompts this time.

My day, though technically not over, is probably fairly close to it as far as exciting things I will be doing today.  I vaguely remember B rustling around the room getting his clothes for work, that had to have been around 6am since that's when his alarm goes off.  I did not get up at that point, because 6am.

I had my alarm set for 9am so I could be at work by 10am.  I, as has become a most annoying habit, woke up about 15 minutes before my alarm went off FOR NO REASON.  Even with NyQuil in my system, my body's internal clock was just not going to let me get all the sleep that I possibly could.  That extra 15 minutes is important!  Once I actually got up I hacked up a lung for a good long while, being sick is lame.  Finally was able to get ready between the coughing and got myself to the theater.

Once at 7 Stages I finished programing in the final cues for the dance show I've been working on this week.  The bad part of this is that I was coughing so much and so loud that I was disturbing the rehearsal.  Luckily, Jennah (who does tech for Dad's Garage) answered my call for a replacement and was able to make it there in time for their dress rehearsal, which meant she would get a run with them before the show tonight so I could go home.  Had someone else not been able to come in I would be there suffering right now because I couldn't leave them in the lurch.  I am very grateful that I know so amazing techs who can hop in.

Got home, took more meds and like a crazy person (because I thought it might make me feel better) did my 30 day plank and squat challenges.  I think it mostly just made me light headed, but hey, exercise is never really a bad thing, right?  I am now sitting on my couch with the cat, because Jezebel must be as close to me as possible with out actually getting inside my skin.  And, with being sick, watching House some how makes me feel a little better because at least I am not as sick as any of those people.

Plans for tonight is hoping that B and I can just order Chinese food and hang out on the couch and watch American Horror Story or maybe some superhero movies that we picked up over Christmas.  There is something comforting about being sick at home with someone you love who is also sick so you can be miserable together.  Good company fixes a lot of ills.

And since it said I had to post a picture, here's a picture of what me being sick looks like today!

New Year's 2015

Today was the birth of a new year.  Like many births there was a wonderful party with good friends and good times leading up to it and then, as it was ushered in there was screaming, crying, and pain.  Then there was peace and calm and steak.  The steak is very important, I am fairly certain the steak is what broke my fever and stopped me from feeling like death.  Ringing in the New Year sickly sucks, but I'm going to remain hopeful that it can get better from here.

What I want my 2015 to be:

1) I want to be better about communicating and asking for help.  This is something I am not great at and sometimes I let things get bottled up or think I can handle them on my own and not ask for help which is bad for both me and my relationships with people.

2) I want to go and see art, shows, concerts, etc... that I haven't worked on.  Even if I managed to go see one a month that would be pretty amazing.

3) I need to say no more.  I need to quit agreeing to do more things than I can handle and take better care of me.

4) I need to get rid of about half of everything that I own and organize what is left.  I need to get the apartment cleaned, it's too depressing for both B and myself.  We need a better home.  We can't grow in a place thats so crowded and full of crap.

5) Balance.  I am going to work on better balancing my personal and work life.  I have to work, I do not have to sacrifice everything else in my life to work.  I haven't been a great friend or girlfriend because I let myself get so involved in work I disappeared from everything else and that needs to end now.  Actually I've been working on this for a few months now and gotten to spend a lot more time with B and some of my awesome friends which has been really great and I've been able to reconnect a lot which has been wonderful.