Make a Mermaid Smile During Her birthday Month?
Lately, the smiling's been tricky, but she's game to try!
Dear friends of AWESOME! Once again, my birthday is coming up. Seems like it sneaks up on me every year; the stalker! It’s this coming Sunday, March 10th.
If you are getting this invite, it means that you are either someone I have the great blessing of calling a dear friend or you are someone I find interesting, inspiring, brilliant and fun so I would like a chance to spend more time with you!
To the best of my recollection, most of my life, the birthdays of yours truly, have been a pretty unpleasant experience! This was not because of worry about being another year older, in fact most of the time I was amazed I had actually made it to be another year older! Holidays and other ”special days” in my childhood and also through much of my adulthood, were marred by arguments, violence and abuse or some form of perceived invisibility. Honestly, it was rare to feel like my birthday meant I was special or that it was a reason to celebrate me or even actually spend time with my friends.
When I was little, parties were usually orchestrated to impress all the "right" families and kids were invited who either ignored me the rest of the year or who regularly pointed out how, ugly, stupid (I love that the kids I grew up with taunted us smart kids with, insults like, Are you a retard?) weird, or otherwise unlikable I was. For 13 years, I was in a relationship with someone who shares my birthday. At first, I was thrilled, but every year it became a big production about that other person. One of the few birthday memories that stands out as a highlight was one year that that person actually made an effort to be thoughtful, inclusive and do something I would actually like!
I've had a few good ones, but for most of my life, even if there were the trappings of cake and presents, I've rarely “celebrated” MY birthday as special or something MINE and mostly no one else has either! I say this by way of explanation, not for pity's sake! Lots of us dread our birthdays for a whole variety of reasons!
My point is, it's never too late to take it back! It's MY birthday & I'm taking it back!
If you are getting this invite, it means that you are either someone I have the great blessing of calling a dear friend or you are someone I find interesting, inspiring, brilliant and fun so I would like a chance to spend more time with you!
To the best of my recollection, most of my life, the birthdays of yours truly, have been a pretty unpleasant experience! This was not because of worry about being another year older, in fact most of the time I was amazed I had actually made it to be another year older! Holidays and other ”special days” in my childhood and also through much of my adulthood, were marred by arguments, violence and abuse or some form of perceived invisibility. Honestly, it was rare to feel like my birthday meant I was special or that it was a reason to celebrate me or even actually spend time with my friends.
When I was little, parties were usually orchestrated to impress all the "right" families and kids were invited who either ignored me the rest of the year or who regularly pointed out how, ugly, stupid (I love that the kids I grew up with taunted us smart kids with, insults like, Are you a retard?) weird, or otherwise unlikable I was. For 13 years, I was in a relationship with someone who shares my birthday. At first, I was thrilled, but every year it became a big production about that other person. One of the few birthday memories that stands out as a highlight was one year that that person actually made an effort to be thoughtful, inclusive and do something I would actually like!
I've had a few good ones, but for most of my life, even if there were the trappings of cake and presents, I've rarely “celebrated” MY birthday as special or something MINE and mostly no one else has either! I say this by way of explanation, not for pity's sake! Lots of us dread our birthdays for a whole variety of reasons!
My point is, it's never too late to take it back! It's MY birthday & I'm taking it back!
After the big implosion......
And the start of digging my way out of the ash, as part of my stepping up and claiming MY life, last year, I decided to do something different! Instead of going into a cave and hating myself or hating the day or pretending I was excited about it by throwing a party I couldn't afford or that all of you might not be able to attend, I listed a bunch of possibilities throughout the whole month that we could spend time enjoying together! Since most of my C.A.Y.A clergy friends do an annual retreat my birthday weekend this also gave me more chances to spend time with them!
It was great so I’m doing this again! I want to make a point to spend time with the people who mean the most to me, especially those who have supported me in my journey to unashamedly being just myself!
An even nicer part of this is that in choosing some of the events, I can also highlight and support some of my favorite people who are out there making beautiful music and art while also being absolutely their own true beautiful selves!
It was great so I’m doing this again! I want to make a point to spend time with the people who mean the most to me, especially those who have supported me in my journey to unashamedly being just myself!
An even nicer part of this is that in choosing some of the events, I can also highlight and support some of my favorite people who are out there making beautiful music and art while also being absolutely their own true beautiful selves!
I want to do several things here!
- I want you to know how important you are to me. Some of you live far away and can’t be here but I’m putting you on this list because you are awesome and I adore you! If I could be with you, I would be very happy!
- I want to suggest some social hang out opportunities.
- If you desire to do something or get me something for me in honor of my birthday a list of suggestions will answer your question, I hope.
- I am also open to any suggestions that might bring pleasure and delight! ;-)
- I am listing a few events I can’t go to, but I’d be thrilled if you went and discovered/supported another artist I admire and care about!
- Also know that with all of this I expect nothing! It would give me great joy to just spend time hanging out with any of you!
EVENTS!
A small disclaimer. I am really cash poor this month and I may need help paying my way into things. Also, having no car, I may need at least a ride home from evening events!
I may add to this list. Other suggestions? Hit me!
- Sunday, March 10th: As a super amazing coincidental treat. Amelia Hogan will be debuting her new CD, Transplants and debuting her new video at the Starry Plough from 4-7pm ON MY BIRTHDAY! I’ve heard the CD. It is amazing! The video is going to be remarkable! Please come and support her! Toast us both! Buy lots of drinks! Event info here! The Show, music, video, food and friends were fantastic & I got a fabulous balloon birthday hat! Huzzah!
- Saturday 3/23, also at The Starry Plough, TV Mike and The Scarecrowes are playing They have a new album and I want to get it. Due to lack of funds and transportation, I think it’s been about a year since I've been able to get out and enjoy them live and I don’t want to miss this show! Take me please! Event info here!
- My brilliant friend, Dan Wilson’s play Just One More Game is playing at The Exit theater in San Francisco this month! I want to see it at least once. (I can totally see Dan’s plays more than once!) Seats as cheap as $10! Here are the dates I am free to go, and all shows are at 8PM: Th 3/14, Fri March 15, Th 3/ 21, Fri 3/22, Th 3/28, Fri 3/29. Sat 3/30: Event Info Here!
- Saturday, March 16th, it’s a day of celebrating Spring! Join Molly and me at The Silk Road House’s Nawruz (SOLD OUT) celebration at the Hillside Club in Berkeley! Tickets need to be purchased by March 12, I think! http://www.silkroadhouse.org/ Nawruz is sold out of adult tickets. I didn't get mine either. Kind of embarrassing because I was invited to sing, but allergies have nixed that anyway.
- In the evening in Alameda, CAYA Equinox of Joyful Vows (Ostara)
Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at The Home of Truth Spiritual Center - Sanctuary
1300 Grand St., Alameda, CA 94501 7:15 PM (doors are locked once the circle is cast at 7:30) $10 donation requestedFacebook Page for the event is here! - Tuesday, March 26th, I will probably be found at the Sacred Well from 730-9 for Tea and Chanting! It’s awesome! Join us!
I may add to this list. Other suggestions? Hit me!
Things you could do and places you could take me that would make me really happy!
- There’s this delightful, inexpensive tea shop on Webster Street called Tea Here Now! It is small and sweet and I could savor a pot of tea here with any of you, any day. http://www.teaherenowcafe.com/
- Take me to Forbidden Island for frivolity and rum drinks! http://www.forbiddenislandalameda.com/
- Take me out to eat, pretty much anywhere or let me cook for you in my kitchen!
OR.........
- Take a mermaid to the movies! This is a rare treat for me to see a film in the theater and there are a bunch I want to see if they are still on the big screen! Also, I have not been to the New Parkway theater yet!! I’ve been wanting to see: Life of Pi, Les Miserables, Hitchcock,(I think it’s not playing anymore. Waah), The Hobbit,, Django Unchained..........
- Take me to a museum! There are lots of great exhibits right now!
- Take me to hear some live music!
Nifty things you could do for me:
- Make me something! With your own hands! You are fabulous artsy people!
- Many of you know I have severe chronic pain. massage, bodywork acupuncture, any would be a great gift!
- Tarot reading friends! I would love a birthday reading!
- Got time? Volunteer or educate yourself and think of me while you do it!
- Do something kind for someone who can’t do it themselves.
- Volunteer with an animal rescue or wildlife conservation group. Adopt a bat! http://www.batcon.org/index.php/support-bci/adopt-a-bat.html
- Volunteer or donate to help survivors of child abuse and domestic violence!
Handy, but not necessarily "handsy?" ;-)
Got handy/carpentry skills?
I have a bunch of shelves that need to go up and I want to put up a second closet rod in my closet. I have the materials, but not the height, tools coordination or patience to do it, and do it right!
I have a bunch of shelves that need to go up and I want to put up a second closet rod in my closet. I have the materials, but not the height, tools coordination or patience to do it, and do it right!
Practical things I need.
I still need all kinds of household and artistic stuff !
You can check that out here!
One of the most vexing things after losing all my possessions last year, has been trying to replace and get technical/computer/electronic/musical things that will allow me to move forward with both work and creative pursuits!
Molly and I have also wanted to produce a travel and cooking show on YouTube and have been stymied by not having a camera or the right equipment. We've missed several interesting opportunities because we just couldn't get equipment
!’m trying to work on my music again and I’m also doing more web site work.
I need a laptop computer that works, with MEMORY and a decent sized external monitor. Molly and I need a decent digital camera to shoot video. Ideally, a Mac or iPad, some sort of tablet could work for shooting video as well as video and music editing. I still have my keyboard stand, but no keyboard. I could use a hand drum. I need a micro USB cable for my digital recorder. Got a hand me down? We would love your re-gift or hand me down!
You can check that out here!
One of the most vexing things after losing all my possessions last year, has been trying to replace and get technical/computer/electronic/musical things that will allow me to move forward with both work and creative pursuits!
Molly and I have also wanted to produce a travel and cooking show on YouTube and have been stymied by not having a camera or the right equipment. We've missed several interesting opportunities because we just couldn't get equipment
!’m trying to work on my music again and I’m also doing more web site work.
I need a laptop computer that works, with MEMORY and a decent sized external monitor. Molly and I need a decent digital camera to shoot video. Ideally, a Mac or iPad, some sort of tablet could work for shooting video as well as video and music editing. I still have my keyboard stand, but no keyboard. I could use a hand drum. I need a micro USB cable for my digital recorder. Got a hand me down? We would love your re-gift or hand me down!
Other practical items....
- Damn it, I need a couple of good bras that fit! Got a gift card?
- Transportation assistance or a loaner car. Ongoing, most likely, until July!
- The domain I use for my business expired March 4 and I don’t have the cash or a debit/credit card to pay. I can check this off my list now! Relief & Gratitude! Thank you so much to a fabulous friend who took care of this!
Spoil Me?Splurges! Want to do something that is truly just a gift?
- Since I am adopted and my cultural heritage is mysterious, genetic testing $99 Check it out here!
- Buy me a bottle of Grand Marnier or Absinthe, or both! (Whoot Grand Marnier! So grateful!)
- Mini vacation? Take me away for a day or overnight.
- Clothes make the mermaid! I want a nice corset! I’d love a leather, underbust/waist cincher type or a full one that fits decently! It can be a hand me down!
- A crown (decorative or wearable or anything Empressy that would underscore The Empress Dammit philosophy!
Make my bedroom better?
These things also in the handy/carpentry skills zone are for the sort of distant future cause I need supplies and able execution so if you want to do something nice for me in the future....
- I need “rails” put on the floor along the sides of my bed that will lift my rolling desk high enough off the floor that it slides the length of my bed. Basically I need pieces of lumber a few inches wide, maybe 4 or 5 inches high.
Fantasies!
If I stay in this place I want to look into putting dual pane windows in so the room is more energy efficient and I can put my bed along the window & I want to make a faux gypsy wagon canopy for my ceiling.. Can’t do this myself.
I also would like to do some Shameless UnSelf Promotion here .....
And recommend these other interesting things to enjoy in March that artists I adore are doing, even though I can’t be there:
- Weds, March 13th, the amazing Jo Jo Razor will be at The Great American Music Hall covering Yes’ Fragile album! Check out the Facebook event page here!
- Sat. March 16th , I will once again be missing the spellbinding Mark Growden as he plays at Awaken Cafe in Oakland Event page here!
- Any day! You don’t have to like clowns, but wear a clown nose! My friend and fellow Piscean of Awesome, Tex Allen started this project to spread joy every day randomly! Check out his web page here!