photo by Michael Tran.
Showing posts with label Rockstar Storytellers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rockstar Storytellers. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rockstar Storytellers: A little bit more famous
Minnesota Microphone just did a nice, lengthy piece on our Word Ninjas Open Mic. And here's a picture of me, being a person I never thought I'd be years after telling Liz my hatred of "girls with bangs and glasses":
photo by Michael Tran.
photo by Michael Tran.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
For those of you out there that don't have a Rockstar Storytellers CD yet (what? Comment here if you want one - 2 discs, $10, and we'll ship anywhere! ANYWHERE! Yes, we'll ship to Mars, Gjythphtzbol.) and haven't heard my storytelling stylings, I was featured on the bonus reel of MPR's In The Loop. Download the podcast here. And this dude mentioned us on his blog!
On a completely different note, here's the catch phrases from 30 Rock that I will be easing into my lexicon:
Ya Burnt!
By the Hammer of Thor!
Blerg!
On another completely different note, I'm reading Steve Martin's autobiography and flying through it. That dude is one inspirational muther-effer.
And on another completely different note, my mother, and I quote via an email message she sent me, "got a little swell-headed from reading your blog and review of the recipe book; it made it all seem worth while and glad that I followed through with it." As well she should be.
Good night! And thanks for reading.
On a completely different note, here's the catch phrases from 30 Rock that I will be easing into my lexicon:
Ya Burnt!
By the Hammer of Thor!
Blerg!
On another completely different note, I'm reading Steve Martin's autobiography and flying through it. That dude is one inspirational muther-effer.
And on another completely different note, my mother, and I quote via an email message she sent me, "got a little swell-headed from reading your blog and review of the recipe book; it made it all seem worth while and glad that I followed through with it." As well she should be.
Good night! And thanks for reading.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Jumpstart.
First off, last night's Rockstar show went really well. Great holiday stories from everyone indicative of their style: Phillip Low did a re-interpretation from a "lost part of the Bible" about how Jesus can really mess you up and don't you forget it. Michael Schaeffer made a guest appearance and debuted a new slam poem inspired by Led Zeppelin! And Joseph Scrimshaw compared each storyteller to a gift from his Christmas past: I was a pair of Superman underwear! My interpretation of that comparison is because when I take off my clothes I become invincible and omnipotent and benevolent. Finally, someone understands me.
I just got off the phone with one of my very favorite people, Deborah Lohse. Deborah and I have known each other since college, moved out to New York within weeks of each other, and were each others' first official roommate in upstate Manhattan (Inwood). Deborah, like the rest of us artists, doesn't ever feel like she's doing enough towards her work. She's an amazing dancer and choreographer and believe you me, she's doing more than enough. For about 3 or 4 years, we would get together in the beginning of each year and talk and write out our goals for the upcoming 365 days. I reminded her of something she had as a goal a few years ago: Action, Not Perfection. She had forgotten she said this. It was my pleasure to pass that wisdom back to her. So, with that, a first draft of my resolutions for the New Year. (And a little caveat: I'm done with being cynical about resolutions. I've been setting yearly goals for many years and the cynicism people develop from resolutions is born from them not achieving their goals and then not forgiving themselves for their "failure." It's time to start forgiving yourself people. We're here to just have fun, right?)
- HAVE FUN
This year, I resolve to relinquish control where I can and take things seriously with this knowledge that it's not all in my hands.
And for the most part, that just means living each moment and being present and remembering that nothing is permanent, so I may as well enjoy it all.
- PERFORM. WRITE. BECAUSE I CAN.
I neglected to blog about this, but in July I went and visited a new optometrist to get my contact prescription. I ended up sitting and talking with this diminutive Vietnamese doctor of the eyes who was dressed like a 60's mod for almost two hours about art and artists while she patiently let me hem and haw about what lenses made me see the eye chart better. We talked about women in the middle east that attempt to do their art and getting physically assaulted and injured or, I'm sure in the worst circumstances, murdered. And it made me realize that I really have no right to be shy about what I do. Even if I suck and if no one takes me seriously as an artist (who cares because, well, see #1), I can get on stage and say stuff that other women in the world can't. I get down on myself for being a bad feminist sometimes and that conversation was a reminder that just following what I'm passionate about is a right that not every woman in this world has. And it is my responsibility to do what I can for those sisters.
- TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.
It's a lot easier to unwind in Minneapolis than in New York. There's a lot of guilt that you're not doing enough or achieving what you should by your age or whatever in the NYC. There's theories abound on this phenomenon. And now that I can genuinely proclaim that I truly love living here, my ability to chill out has increased exponentially. It might also be an age thing. But this also means living my little signs posted in my house - "Treating myself like a precious object will make me stronger." As in, remembering to eat well, make positive choices about my spending and saving, and taking time to breathe, meditate, stretch, and sit up straight. And remembering that I am an amazing force (just like you!) and am worthy of the best that love can offer.
- FORGIVE MYSELF. DO MY BEST. FORGIVE OTHERS.
I make quips at people and usually own up to them if I feel they've been offended. But the guilt will continue to eat me up. I will plan an evening to write or play banjo or make art, etc, and instead, I'll end up watching 3 hours of "30 Rock." I'll indulge in something that doesn't make me feel like the superstar I am. And I will forgive myself, move on, and do my best always. And since I can forgive myself and lower my expectations for myself (in a good way!), I can do the same for others who are on their own paths.
That's what I got now. Hey, I got 4 more days till the end of the year, so I would say I'm ahead of schedule.
Here's to an amazing 2009, eh?
I just got off the phone with one of my very favorite people, Deborah Lohse. Deborah and I have known each other since college, moved out to New York within weeks of each other, and were each others' first official roommate in upstate Manhattan (Inwood). Deborah, like the rest of us artists, doesn't ever feel like she's doing enough towards her work. She's an amazing dancer and choreographer and believe you me, she's doing more than enough. For about 3 or 4 years, we would get together in the beginning of each year and talk and write out our goals for the upcoming 365 days. I reminded her of something she had as a goal a few years ago: Action, Not Perfection. She had forgotten she said this. It was my pleasure to pass that wisdom back to her. So, with that, a first draft of my resolutions for the New Year. (And a little caveat: I'm done with being cynical about resolutions. I've been setting yearly goals for many years and the cynicism people develop from resolutions is born from them not achieving their goals and then not forgiving themselves for their "failure." It's time to start forgiving yourself people. We're here to just have fun, right?)
- HAVE FUN
This year, I resolve to relinquish control where I can and take things seriously with this knowledge that it's not all in my hands.
And for the most part, that just means living each moment and being present and remembering that nothing is permanent, so I may as well enjoy it all.
- PERFORM. WRITE. BECAUSE I CAN.
I neglected to blog about this, but in July I went and visited a new optometrist to get my contact prescription. I ended up sitting and talking with this diminutive Vietnamese doctor of the eyes who was dressed like a 60's mod for almost two hours about art and artists while she patiently let me hem and haw about what lenses made me see the eye chart better. We talked about women in the middle east that attempt to do their art and getting physically assaulted and injured or, I'm sure in the worst circumstances, murdered. And it made me realize that I really have no right to be shy about what I do. Even if I suck and if no one takes me seriously as an artist (who cares because, well, see #1), I can get on stage and say stuff that other women in the world can't. I get down on myself for being a bad feminist sometimes and that conversation was a reminder that just following what I'm passionate about is a right that not every woman in this world has. And it is my responsibility to do what I can for those sisters.
- TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.
It's a lot easier to unwind in Minneapolis than in New York. There's a lot of guilt that you're not doing enough or achieving what you should by your age or whatever in the NYC. There's theories abound on this phenomenon. And now that I can genuinely proclaim that I truly love living here, my ability to chill out has increased exponentially. It might also be an age thing. But this also means living my little signs posted in my house - "Treating myself like a precious object will make me stronger." As in, remembering to eat well, make positive choices about my spending and saving, and taking time to breathe, meditate, stretch, and sit up straight. And remembering that I am an amazing force (just like you!) and am worthy of the best that love can offer.
- FORGIVE MYSELF. DO MY BEST. FORGIVE OTHERS.
I make quips at people and usually own up to them if I feel they've been offended. But the guilt will continue to eat me up. I will plan an evening to write or play banjo or make art, etc, and instead, I'll end up watching 3 hours of "30 Rock." I'll indulge in something that doesn't make me feel like the superstar I am. And I will forgive myself, move on, and do my best always. And since I can forgive myself and lower my expectations for myself (in a good way!), I can do the same for others who are on their own paths.
That's what I got now. Hey, I got 4 more days till the end of the year, so I would say I'm ahead of schedule.
Here's to an amazing 2009, eh?
Monday, October 27, 2008
SHOOOWWWWZZZZ
Holy Crap. I need an assistant.
Thank goodness Wonder Dave wrote on my Facebook wall about tonight's show or else, I would have been a no-show and I'm sure there would have been a black mark on my Twin Cities performance rep because you do not want to let Wonder Dave down. This is not to say that he is a relentless bookie or anything. I just seriously don't want to let him down because I feel like he wants me to get up and do slam poetry (yeah, I know, WHAT? me? A poetess? maybe) and seems to love me and lord knows I don't want that love to wane due to my famous flakiness. Flakiness is fear. Or over-booking. Or not having a car. Luckily, this show is right near my house (no you may NOT come over afterwards. Oh, okay, for ONE drink. And a shot.)
TONIGHT! at 8pm
At The Beat Coffeehouse
1414 West 28th Street in Uptown (1/2 block East of Hennepin)
(This is listed as an "Erotic Party" on Facebook... I am not promising anything, but after a drink and a shot at my house, who knows what can happen?!?)
And tomorrow night??? OH YEAH!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rockstars are BACK at Bryant Lake Bowl!
Tuesday, October 28 at 7pm
(doors at 6pm)
Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis!
PS - the BLB site lists us at 10pm - NO! WE ARE AT 7PM!!!!
This month's show is "The Music Hour." Yours truly is hosting AND accompanying on the banjo the irreverent Mr. Mike Fotis as he yells at a desk (and it's the funniest thing you ever did see). Also telling are Amy Salloway, Ben San Del, Joseph Scrimshaw, Dave Mondy, and Allegra Lingo.
We'll be living up to our name - you may as well put money on it.
See you TONIGHT OR TOMORROW!!!
Thank goodness Wonder Dave wrote on my Facebook wall about tonight's show or else, I would have been a no-show and I'm sure there would have been a black mark on my Twin Cities performance rep because you do not want to let Wonder Dave down. This is not to say that he is a relentless bookie or anything. I just seriously don't want to let him down because I feel like he wants me to get up and do slam poetry (yeah, I know, WHAT? me? A poetess? maybe) and seems to love me and lord knows I don't want that love to wane due to my famous flakiness. Flakiness is fear. Or over-booking. Or not having a car. Luckily, this show is right near my house (no you may NOT come over afterwards. Oh, okay, for ONE drink. And a shot.)
TONIGHT! at 8pm
At The Beat Coffeehouse
1414 West 28th Street in Uptown (1/2 block East of Hennepin)
(This is listed as an "Erotic Party" on Facebook... I am not promising anything, but after a drink and a shot at my house, who knows what can happen?!?)
And tomorrow night??? OH YEAH!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rockstars are BACK at Bryant Lake Bowl!
Tuesday, October 28 at 7pm
(doors at 6pm)
Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis!
PS - the BLB site lists us at 10pm - NO! WE ARE AT 7PM!!!!
This month's show is "The Music Hour." Yours truly is hosting AND accompanying on the banjo the irreverent Mr. Mike Fotis as he yells at a desk (and it's the funniest thing you ever did see). Also telling are Amy Salloway, Ben San Del, Joseph Scrimshaw, Dave Mondy, and Allegra Lingo.
We'll be living up to our name - you may as well put money on it.
See you TONIGHT OR TOMORROW!!!
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