• Give an extra dollar when you can to someone who needs it. Don't worry what they use it for...just give it.


• Sing holiday songs for no reason while shopping. People secretly enjoy seeing other folks making merry & would if there could but they are afraid. Be the brave merry-maker in their day.


• Let 3 people make that wicked left turn in front of you today.


• Smile & wave to the person who just let you make that left turn.

It's holiday time again! Now, I have mixed feelings about this winter season deal. On the one hand, I love carol singing and lights on everything and trees in the house. On the other hand, there are less-than-pleasant issues that come up as well: not enough time to do everything, not enough money to buy all the presents I would like to, not enough sanity to cut through all the recordings of past holiday horrors playing in my head. Sound familiar?

So now is the time to treat me and everyone around me with heaping helpings of gentleness and compassion. How have I figured that out, you may ask? The same way I figure out most great spiritual truths: by doing it precisely the WRONG WAY FIRST! While it would be more effective to skip the screw-up section and jump directly to perfect behaviour, alas! I am in a body, proof positive that I am human and therefore subject to being human. And let me tell you, folks, the mistakes come hard and fast when you get so caught up in your own holiday whine that you forget that other folks have their very own aged, fancy-bottled & labeled stuff too!

So in the spirit of holiday good deeds & non-traditional gift giving, I want to share with you JENNIFER'S GUIDE TO KEEPING XMAS, HANUKKAH, KWANZA,  DHUL-HIJJAH, WINTER SOLSTICE, POTLATCH,ETC. WITHOUT LOSING YOUR COMPLETE MIND!

1. Everyone celebrates differently. 

Can you believe it...some people actually open personal presents on the Eve, then Santa comes in the morning instead of the CORRECT WAY of all presents on the morning! Actually, there is no correct way for any of our celebrations. We just do it the way our families did and sometimes with a little research, you find out that the reason for the ceremonial eating of the fudge after the carols are sung isn't because that's the way the Pilgrims did it; it's because when your grandmother's brother was little and they brought the fudge out before the singing, he would sneak & eat it all so they started bringing it out AFTER to avoid small children puking fudge all over the carpet!

2. Some people have tragic memories connected to holidays.

People die. People divorce. People abuse other people. Sometimes it happens this time of year. Please don't push for jocularity when someone isn't feeling it. They may be dealing something far more serious than a Charlie Brown tree. Give 'em space. Give 'em respect. Give 'em random smiles & eggnog for no reason. Don't ask for explanations. Just allow the grief to happen and when they come back to the table, a hand squeeze is all it takes to communicate that you care.

3. Do not...I repeat...DO NOT MESS WITH THE SANTA MYTH.

Does it really matter how long a kid gets to enjoy the dream of flying reindeer? Must we rush them to reality just because we may be having a less-than-jolly moment? Especially now, with so much anxiety in the air about the state of the economy and the world, would it kill ya to let the little kids win their jackpot in the Santa lottery?! They will have to deal with bills and not getting into medical school soon enough...give 'em one more year, for the love of Mike!

4. Give something to someone you don't know and never will.

Charitable giving is at an all time low right now. Social service agencies are scrambling to have enough to deal with the case loads they had BEFORE the economy tanked. Now, there are even more folks losing everything because big oil needed a few more beach houses. Even a small gift is significant when you have nothing. Some canned food to the local food pantry. Some bread and milk to the local domestic violence shelter. A couple of quarters in the red pots. A blanket you aren't using to the homeless shelter. A bag of food and that old pillow you were going to throw out anyway to the animal shelter. It sends good energy around and reminds you why your life isn't too bad really.

5. Laugh as much as possible.

I know there are VERY IMPORTANT MATTERS to attend to but take some time to watch a stupid holiday show or old holiday movie with some kids or your family of friends. Laugh at the funny clothes, cars, syntax. Laugh at the guy in the reindeer antlers; that's why he's wearing them. Actually try Aunt Rose's fruitcake. Enjoy your friends' baking efforts, good or bad. Dress the cat up like mistletoe. Let your family surprise you even when they haven't. Join in the joke. Sing even if it's off-key.

Remember, ultimately, every holiday is an excuse to have fun with people. Release the need to correct and pontificate & eat some freakin' gingerbread!

Enjoy the day, y'all! 

Hi folks!

Today is World AIDS Day so take a moment and remember all the people in the world who are still engaged in the daily struggle of living with AIDS and of living HIV positive. Let us all do what we can to help find solutions right here at home. Participate in your local awareness actions today. Give to your local organizations as they are on the front lines of this battle. Talk to your HIV positive friends and ask how you can be of assistance. Even a small something is something. For instance, the Lipz Cabaret at the NorthBank ( www.myspace.com/thenorthbank ) where I perform as “Bruce T.D. King” is having a special show to raise money for Martha’s Pantry http://www.mccofthegentleshepherd.org/outreach_and_marthas_pantry  on December 13. That night, we have a guest star from one of our local radio stations who is “becoming a drag queen” and performing with us. There will be two shows, 9pm & 11pm. It’s a something we can do.

I know I mentioned it before but it’s just so cool… Curve Magazine ( www.curvemag.com ) listed me as one of  America’s Funniest Lesbians in last month’s issue. I am so pleased and proud to be on the same list as Ellen DeGeneres, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Rosie O’Donnell, and Sandra Bernhard! And speaking of funny, I am going to be performing my NONE OF THE ABOVE show in the Pacific Northwest during the first part of 2009. I have shows in southwest Washington state in February and am finalizing other contracts in the region. I plan on coming to the east coast later. Want me to come to your university/community college/community group and perform this award-winning show for your community? Contact me at info@JenniferLanier.com or call 503-953-0725 and let’s talk schedule.

And speaking of Curve Magazine, there is an article on me and the show in this month’s, December’s issue. Have I mentioned how grateful I am for Curve?! Holy Media Attention, Batman! Thank you to the wonderful folks of Curve for picking me out of the crowd. I truly appreciate it.

So Thanksgiving was last week and while I have a hard time with the whole pilgrim/Indians myth considering how they eventually gave thanks to my people (with smallpox & stealing our land and all), I do like being reminded of all that I am thankful for: my health, my family, my friends, a home, work that I love, the ability to laugh. And most of all, I am truly thankful for cake and all of the gifted bakers who make cake happen. As you ponder your list, enjoy the day, y’all!

It’s so exciting to get cool press! Curve Magazine ( http://www.curvemag.com ) has been great to me this fall. First, the October issue ran a photo in the Pride Celebrations section of Dustina & me as Bruce as Ms. & Mr. Gay Pride Vancouver (WA). Then, November’s issue has me listed in the “Best of the Rest” in their “Funniest Lesbians in America” section. Very cool! And the December issue will have an article about yours truly between the covers. All fabulous stuff, folks.

Many Horses Productions' big event for 2008, SUPER QUEER: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza was November 1 and was a hit in Portland for the second year in a row! This year, we took over Berbati’s Pan, around the corner from VooDoo Doughnuts. ( www.manyhorsesproductions.com )Some of the hottest acts in town were performing for this show we did partly to benefit the Portland Women’s Crisis Line. It was a great time & now Many Horses Productions is planning more. February 20, we will be at the E-Room, also known as the Egyptian Club, for an event called WORDS, WOMEN, & SONG. This will also benefit PWCL. Stay tuned for more info on that!

This has been an amazing year for me. A year full of change. A year of renewal. A year of discovery. Thank you folks for keeping up with me as I navigate this adventure. There’s more on the horizon: new shows, new books, new projects so keep in touch and always remember to enjoy the day!

Hi folks!

I had the best time this weekend! First of all, I want to thank Maria & everyone involved with Peacock After Dark. It was an incredible show and it ran so smoothly. We could take that thing on the road! I know that all the Vancouver performers were very happy to be a part of the show and were pleased to do our part for the scholarship fund. Second, thanks to Burly Girl Productions & all of the folks involved with Best Of Our Burlesque Show at Berbati's. Again, amazing performers...a hot time that night!

Of course, my thoughts are now turning to the event of November 1, the great night-after-Halloween event. It's fall so it must be time for SUPER QUEER: A Lusty Fun Xtravaganza! This year, we will be at Berbati's Pan, same as B.O.O.B.S. And you will recognize a couple of the performers I am sure! Which ones, you ask? Ah, stay tuned as we solidify our line-up...The show is Saturday, November 1. Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm. And we have some hot DJ action as well so be prepared to party hard! Check out www.myspace.com/sqlfx for more info & keep checking for performer updates.

Got to go now. Apparently, Dustina still needs help with that basket...Enjoy the day!

Hey there, my friends,

Yes, it is that time of year again. When the air becomes cooler, the trees are thinking about new colored frocks for their leaves, & a queer's heart turns lightly to thoughts of a huge party with amazing entertainment:

SUPER QUEER: a Lusty Fun Xtravaganza!
Bruce T.D. King, Sahara Dunes, Johnny O, the debut performance of Portland's new burlesque troupe: Bang Bang Betty's Big Beautiful Bombshells, DJ Mel spinning tunes for you to dance to and more amazing performers for your lusty fun!

This kickin' party will be Saturday November 1, the day after Halloween, at Berbati's Pan, just around the corner from my fav PDX doughnut place, VooDoo Doughnuts. And this year, we are pleased to perform as a benefit for the Portland Women's Crisis Line so mark your calendars & plan to support the great work these folks do for women in crisis.

Hard to believe it has been nearly a year since the last Super Queer. A lot has changed & the show is gonna be better than ever. So keep posted & if you want to stay in touch, check out www.myspace.com/sqlfx . You can send an email to sqlfxpdx@JenniferLanier.com with thoughts, questions, or just some good cheer!

Hey  there  folks! It's Pride  time all  around the country and here in  the Pacific  Northwest, we are  celebrating too. Portland OR  Pride  was  fantastic! The parade was fun to march in and everyone  at the NorthBank had a  great time representing Saturday in the Park, Vancouver's Pride celebration.

Speaking of all  of  that, Dustina & I (as Bruce), are running for Ms. & Mr. Vancouver Pride and the  lovely Shoshana is running for Miss  Vancouver Pride. The way it  works is we participate in a  pageant the evening of July 5 at the NorthBank and the audience votes for the winners.  So I want all of you in the NW to come out on Saturday and support us! After the pageant,  Bruce will be performing for the Step  Doown show so join  us for a post-Fourth of July good time!

I  have to tell you all...since I have moved here, I  have felt  quite overwhelmingly welcomed by the Queer community. The Lipz Cabaret at the NorthBank has become my performing home and everyone connected with it is definitely family. To Mama, Daryl, Neely, Chiclet, Mitzi, Bill, Shoshana, Chili, Kitti, Alexis, Rhea, Ryan, and  everyone who makes it to the shows; thanks, y'all, for making this transition easier and more fun than changing  one's entire reality should be! I'll see all of you at the pageant!

Pride Week is always exciting and Pride Week in a new city even more so. I had so much fun last week in and around Portland. I emceed and did a 30 minute NONE OF THE ABOVE at Spring Thing at Clark College in Vancouver WA which wasn’t a Pride event but still a great time. Looking forward to working with those folks in the fall for my full show.

Later that night, I helped my friend, Sahara Dunes, at the E Room’s cabaret show. She did an amazing number using shadow work and the other performers were pretty hot as well!

Saturday was all about the regular Lipz Cabaret and it was a terrific show. But this week I added a stint at the party OUT LIKE THAT at the Doug Fir later in the evening. Found myself helping at the door. Nothing like being the bad guy that says “you can’t come in” to folks in line. It was a huge party and I hear they are going to do it again next year.

Next day, the big event: the Portland Pride Parade. The Northbank Lipz Cabaret represented “Saturday in the Park” the Pride celebration for Vancouver that will be on  July 12 at Esther Short Park. The theme is “Picnic in Oz” so we were all in OZ costumes. I was the Lion. That was the best time ever!

This weekend, rest! Except for the audition on Saturday. And a graduation party. And cabaret rehearsal. And….

Enjoy the day!

Hey there, folks.

I had the greatest time in Baton Rouge last week. See me on the front page of their website, www.lsu.edu . The show at Louisiana State University was fantastic, the audience was lively, and I even got to see Mike the Tiger! Everyone at the university was so welcoming and they introduced me to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. I ate blackened alligator, boudin balls, gumbo, and my weight in boiled crawfish! Then I had a chance to perform for the kids at Renaissance Village, one of the trailer towns created after Hurricane Katrina. By the way, RV is closing on May 31 and there are still lots of people there with nowhere to go after it closes. I don't know what the government is thinking but those beautiful people, mostly moms with lots of kids and folks with other barriers, still need help. Maybe we need to have a fund-raiser for those folks...write me and tell me what you think.

Then, we arrived in Hawaii in time to perform for a special dinner created by my friends at Alice's not a restaurant Foodie Club. Bruce performed and helped a couple of folks get in touch with their "inner king" and the lovely Dustina sang a sultry song for the pre-dessert entertainment. Always a joy to play to a Big Island crowd!

Now it's vacation time and I will catch up with y'all after Dustina and I spend some time in the sea!

Aloha, y'all!

www.lsu.edu

You know, you can’t just go running around at a funeral willy-nilly. Funeral directors are very strict. My friends & I had to wait for the assigned moment to stand up & sing the deceased over to the other side. This is not part of the traditional Presbyterian grave-side service but it was important on this particular day. The song was in Lakota; the English translation is:

            Earth is a circle,           

            Sky is a circle,

            Everything moves in a circle.

            Life to Death to Life again.

            Everything has a place in the Sacred Circle of Life. 

I’ve got circles on the brain right now. Actually, I am watching my kitten chase her tail, spinning in a circle as I write this. Yes, we have a new kitten. She is three months old now. My partner found her on the road to our post office, following anyone she saw as if to say, “please be my new family.” Apparently, my partner’s answer was yes as she brought the little tortoise shell darling home. I heard about this while I was still on the road. And even though my friend Kimberly tells me our fur per square inch to humans ratio is a little high, I was glad for the new baby. I sometimes feel a bit down after coming home from a tour. Going from the adrenaline rush of shows & meeting new folks to the quiet solitude of my little part of the island can be a difficult transition. But this time, there was a new kitty doing what kitties do best & I had no time to mope about. Not with a kitten racing through the house, spinning out on the bathroom tile, grabbing my bare toes as I walk by, creating entire fantasy hunting games out of a balled up piece of paper. Oh yes, the smiles come fast & furious with a kitten in the house. The thing is... kittens love life and are not afraid to show it.

The circle keeps going. My mom just died. I got the call at 6 am May 29th and at noon May 30th, I was on a plane to North Carolina for the June 1st funeral. My older sisters took care of all of the funeral details; I had my hands full trying to get there from Hawaii in time. My partner could not go with me but waiting in North Carolina from the moment I got off the plane to the moment I left was my family of friends, women I had known for years who made sure I was not alone & took care of me every second I was there: Mae & Antoinette, Kelli & Tiffany, Lindsey, and Jo. They were my emotional bodyguards, protecting me during that surreal moment of entering the church & seeing mom’s body. They sent silent encouragement when I discovered moments later that I was on the program to speak some reflections during the service. They held the drum & the burning sage & the tobacco robe that would go in her casket after we sang her over at the burial site. When everyone else was gone, they let me cry. They let me laugh. They made sure I ate something. They did what friends do best when you need them. The thing is... friends love you & are not afraid to show it.

So the circle continues, beginnings & endings. I cry a lot about my mom. I laugh a lot at my kitten. My partner helps me remember to eat something. And so it goes.

Whew! An amazing few weeks this has been!

I had an tremendous time at Bennett College for Women. The show was well received and people were quite fun during the audience participation sections. Thank you, Mrs. Sharpe, for coming. Ana Tampanna of The Inclusion Solution  www.alligatorcoach.com   was a tremendous help before and after the show. And thank you to the gentleman filming the show...I didn't get your card but i look forward to seeing the footage later. Also, still photography by Frankye J. Riley...can't wait to see what your eyes saw! Later that week, I had the opportunity to spend time in several classrooms with theatre students and we had a rollicking good time working on solo pieces and some interesting give & take about the business of being an independent artist. Steve Willis, theatre professor and host extraordinaire, has a great group of young folks to work with and I look forward to seeing more from them all. 

The JBC Institute's Chief Diversity Officers Forum was quite an experience. I attended several incredible sessions, including ones with Samir Luther of the Human Rights Campaign, Gary Palmer of Replacements, Inc.  & Lourdes Diaz of National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce among others.  At the Trailblazers in Diversity awards dinner, I was totally caught up in the keynote address by Dr.  Jane Fernandes, the provost and former President-Designate at Gallaudet University. Her message of struggle and the need for inclusion was thoughtful and powerful. And I have to admit, I had never attended a keynote speech that was given in ASL and translated for us signing-impaired folk but I was incredibly moved by her beautiful address. The next day, I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Dr. Fernandes and, lo and behold, she lived in Hawaii for several years! Her husband is from Kauai and we talked about home for a while. She gave me so much to think about and made me laugh with her stories (always a plus fro me!).  For me, the diversity conference was made complete by my encounter with Dr. Fernandes and I will continue to send love & light to her.

I will write about the Wake Forest experience in the next installment. It's warming up here...finally. Got to get outside and clean the pollen off the car.

Aloha, y'all!

North Carolina Rocks!!

I have been having a great time in the Tar Heel state, y'all! I wanted to jot down a few things for you...

In Asheville, LD and the folks at Club Hairspray were fantastic! Check out www.clubhairspray.com and visit them. Love hearing Prince on the dance floor! And now, I am sportin' a fabulous haircut, the envy of all I see, compliments of the amazing Frankie Bolt at INFUSION Hair Studio, 797 Haywood Rd in Asheville. Of course, coffe, smoothies, internet access & great stories at OUTSPOKEN on Haywood Rd. Thanks Lin, Amy, and the folks who tried to help when my laptop crashed!

More later. Aloha, y'all!

Hey folks!

Activity levels are high--big week of  shows and also some classroom  presentations at Bennett College & Guilford  College. I  am  headed  up to Asheville tomorrow for the show at Club Hairspray Friday  night. www.clubhairspray.com  See the calendar for more info.  That drive from the Piedmont  to Asheville  is one of the most beautiful  drives  I know.  It's been a long time &  I am excited about connnecting with all of my buddies in  the mounntains. 

Don't forget Saturday night & Sunday afternoon in Carrboro---

8:00pm Saturday   &  3:00pm Sunday  The ArtsCenter   www.artscenterlive.org  

Give me a holler and let me know what you think! Gotta  run!

Aloha,  y'all!

Hey there, my friends!

I am on the road again and so far all of my luggage has stayed with me! Right now, I am in North Carolina where I had a chance to go to the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in four years. And Carolina won—Go Heels! I saw so many friends from the days in Carrboro & Chapel Hill & Durham. It felt like a homecoming. It was great seeing some folks from my high school basketball team inncluding my coach. We all cheered mightly when Kay Yow took NC State to victory over the Number One team in the country, Duke. Kay Yow showed us all what old school coaching is all about--the team as a whole is greater than the sum of it's individual players! It was a glorious Saturday.

This week I am getting ready for the shows at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro, Club Hairspray in Asheville, and Bennett College. Back to back shows! Fortunately, I am staying with friends who are keeping me well-fed and keeping me from suffering from too much alone time. No need to entertain me; it’s nice just to participate in my friends lives when I visit. Fixing chairs and putting up shelves is as great a way to have fun together as any big event.

There  are some articles coming out in several local papers about the shows: the Chapel Hill News on Thursday, the Durham Herald Sun on Wednesday, and the Raleigh News & Observer on Thursday or Friday, I can’t remember which. Also, the GO Triad weekly paper in Winston-Salem & Greensboro will publish an interview in a column on Thursday. Let me know if you see other media notices; I like to thank folks for the mention.

I wrote recently about my battles with the Christmas Berry tree in Hawaii. I have just found out that the Christmas Berry is actually the Brazilian Pepper tree. Apparently inn its native environment, it is a little ornamental bush but when it came to Hawaii, it turned into some gigantic mutant horror tree that, among it's previously mentioned evils, is kin to poison sumac & poison ivy. Oh, great!  Not only do we have to cut them all down (see previous post on that struggle) but we can’t even burn the wood cause of respiratory ickiness. Whaddaya do?!

I will try to post more as news breaks. Don’t forget to check the calendar to see when the shows are & come out and see me afterwards!

Aloha, y’all!

So the Spring 2007 tour is being finalized and I am excited about this one, y'all! First, I am going to the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament for the first time in four years! Then, I get to start off working in North Carolina with some theatre for young audiences with my buddy, Bob, at the Arts Based Elementary School in Winston-Salem. Then, None of the Above at Bennett College, Wake Forest, and the Jonetta B. Cole Institue for Global Diversity & Inclusion's Chief Diversity Officers Forum at the Grandover in Greensboro. In between those shows, Bruce the Drag King will perform at clubs in Asheville and other cities in NC, SC, & VA. Dates & times are TBA.

Next, we may be heading to George Mason University & Millersville University for their Pride weeks, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise. Then it's on to Boston for some Bruce gigs & perhaps a None of the Above performance. Those of you who know the show remember how important the Boston Women of 1980 are---I would love to tell them how important they are! Anybody have any ideas? Let me know here at the site if you have thoughts about Boston venues.

At the end of April, I am heading to the western side of the continent for gigs in Portland, OR (April 27-29), Vancouver BC, Berkeley CA, LA to greet my friend's new baby, and then San Diego. By then, I will be ready to head back to the islands.

That's the story so far. If you want me to bring my smiling face or Bruce's sizzling moves to your neck of the woods, email info@JenniferLanier.com . I bet we can find a place to squeeze in your gig! And now I must go---a new piece of luggage is calling my name! Aloha, y'all!    

Valentine's Day is three whole weeks away and you know what my darlin' did? She got me an early present. And nothing says "I love you" like a new Stihl chain saw! I know what you're thinking..."oh, those mad, impetuous lovebirds!" Or maybe it's closer to "freakin' dykes!" Either way, perhaps an explanation is in order.

You see, my partner and I are working with another couple to clear a piece of land we have recently purchased to make way for our houses. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the flora common to the Big Island, let me introduce you to the Christmas Berry tree. Or, as I like to call it, Holly's Tropical Evil Twin. Now, the name sounds nice, doesn't it. Christmas Berry. Jingle, jingle, oh look at the happy little tree that brings joy and spiritual salvation to all, right? WRONG! It is a sick & twisted tree and I mean that literally! It grows in all directions, limbs wrapping around each other in a maniacal tango. Yes, it is a dance trying to cut one of these buggahs down without getting wacked by the misjudged tension release of a limb or to even to get it to fall at all, for just when you think you have cut through, the bloody thing doesn't fall down. "Why," you ask yourself, "why do you not fall,  o hellish tree of Satan." And then you discover some of the tree's limbs are stepping out...having a little fling...some afternoon delight, dancing with an adjacent tree who holds it up, teasing gravity in an inverted dip. Waiting to fall. ON YOU!

And did I mention that the wood is very dense. These demon trees eat chain saw chains for breakfast...we have gone through an average of one chain a week and that's with daily cleaning and maintenance. We all are covered in cuts & bruises from battle. Two chain saws have lost their lives to these vicious monsters already. So, you can understand how my heart fairly burst with love & joy when the  commercial capable, tough but lightweight & easy to handle, kick-ass new chain saw was handed to me. I tenderly kissed my darlin' in thanks then I pulled her starter cord and opened that be-yatch up! I'm refering to the chain saw, of course.

So, it's back to battle but this time we are going in with the proper equipment that works for the situation. And we will not cut and run. We will stay the course until victory has been achieved. Hmmm, that reminds me of something...

Thank you so much for coming to the show!  There was a lovely crowd for the show Saturday night...love it when the call goes out for an emergency audience and they appear! Many thanks to Kiki & Chewi & Sharon for the use of the hall. If you are looking for a beautiful B&B on the Big Island, check out Hale 'Ae Kai Guesthouse ( www.haleaekai.com ). Thank you Kimberly Dark (www.KimberlyDark.com )for the wonderful emcee work. And some great new pieces as well! And Bruce the Drag King thanks all the hot chicks who participated in his performance. He told me to say you all are welcome to play with him ANYTIME! All in all, a fun way to get the year going. Again, thanks to everyone who came and everyone who helped spead the word! Aloha y'all! 
 

Hey y'all! Big News Flash (cue appropriate teletype music)...I am doing a show TONIGHT! January 6, Saturday! A person from a big time festival is on the island and wanted to see the "None of the Above" so of course, we rallied the troops and it's happening! Check out the calendar page for details, directions. Looking forward to seeing all of my Big Island friends there. Kimberly Dark is the emcee and she will be performing some of her work as well. And what's a Saturday night show without Bruce the Drag King! Bruce will do some new material and a couple of fan favorites. It's going to be a night of laughs & lusty fun!  Aloha, y'all!

[Won't you sing along....] 

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat,

Won’t you please put a penny in the old man’s hat.

If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do,

If you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you. 

Do any of you remember this song? I think I learned it in first grade or somewhere in the single digits of life. It popped into my mind yesterday after a wonderful chat with my spiritual mentor. Now, I had called her about something else entirely but she is quite good at reminding me of what is really important as opposed to the useless stuff I have a tendency to worry about. Like this whole Christmas giving thing. Now, I can get very caught up in how little money I THINK I have for gifts and let that stop me from giving PERIOD, totaling forgetting how the energetic flow of giving and receiving works. Apparently, she felt it was time for me to have a special remedial tutorial on The Flow: giving flows into receiving which flows into giving which flows into receiving. Basically, that’s The Flow.  Stopping-up the giving (holding back because one perceives some kind of lack in one’s pocketbook) means stopping-up the receiving as well. Ergo, when one allows a limited perspective on giving to creep into one’s consciousness (“I am only allowed to give gifts where the mall is involved”), The Flow gets all bottled up and stops flowing. Spiritual constipation, as it were. Plus, like physical constipation, it feels really icky. 

There are so many ways to give. Some involve money. Some do not. I have been making a tasty beverage recently with lemons & lilikoi (passion fruit) juice that several friends have enjoyed. My mentor said, “you know, people really like that stuff you make; why don’t you give that as a present?” Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! In my head, I thought, “Like, duh, Jen!” To her I said something way more eloquent like, “oh yeah; you’re right”. Which led me to other thoughts of giving: in the grocery stores there are jars at the checkouts labeled “Change for the Keiki” to put one’s change into for an organization to use to buy food, clothes, & a toy for kids whose parents are having a tough time. Every ha’penny I drop in counts. People in the parking lot of the one major shopping center on this side of the island often are in a huge hurry this time of year & just leave their shopping carts by their car. I figure taking a couple back to the store on my way to buy cat litter is one small effort in promoting a cease-fire in the holiday parking lot battles. There is a no-kill animal shelter near my house that always can use some volunteer help for washing, playing with, and cuddling the animals: that’s a good fit for me. 

And so, I flow. May you walk in beauty. May love & light surround you. May the holiday season find you happy, joyous, and free. And may you always go with The Flow! 

Enjoy the day, y’all!

December is moving along at a rapid clip. Remember the fabulous singer I mentioned in the previous entry, Nedra Johnson. http://www.nedrajohnson.com/  http://www.myspace.com/nedra Well, Bruce the Drag King was emcee for her concert on Tuesday, November 28. Natasha, Nedra's partner took some pics and those will be included on the website directly. Bruce has been stirring his creative juices lately (oh, stop!). Two new songs are available for the winter holidays:  "Have Yourself a Queer-Eyed Little insert appropriate holiday name here" and "Come on It's Lovely Weather for Topping a Bottom Like You!" Looks like Bruce's new show is shaping up!
Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

On to touring news...I am talking to several venues about performing "None of the Above" in March & April: Bennett College, Wake Forest University, Millersville University, The Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute's Chief Diversity Officers Forum, Wilmington College, Ohio State to name a few. I will keep you informed as news breaks!

Now, it's back to work. The dogs are getting their holiday bath today and it's always a struggle to get those reindeer antlers to stay on. Enjoy the day, folks!

Happy HoliCraze, everyone!

It's most wonderful time of the year! Yes, the citrus trees are full of ripening fruit--the whales begin showing up to give birth--the ports are overflowing with cruise ships...the resorts beaches are harder to get into--all the little things that say, hey, it's Christmas/Hannaka/Solstice/Kwanza time here on the islands!

Speaking of cruise ships, Olivia Cruises just had a Hawaiian Cruise. I did not go on this one but several friends did and I hear it was fabulous! One of the performers is on the Big Island right now. Nedra Johnson ( www.nedrajohnson.com & www.myspace.com/nedra ), a fine singer/instrumentalist has been touring the islands after her very successful gig with Olivia. And today, I had a chance to spend some time showing her and her partner around our island. Waterfalls, laughter, and good conversation were the focus of the day. Oh yeah, and malasadas from Tex Drive-In ( www.texdrivein.com ) in Honoka'a didn't hurt a thing! If you have a chance to hear Nedra, do it! Her rich, soulful voice is hot and her songs range from funny to seriously sexy. Take a listen on her websites.

Don't forget to enjoy the day! Aloha, y'all!

This is a good time to acknowledge all the folks who have supported me and my shows over the last year. I am so grateful to you all for coming out and for writing those wonderful emails and letters. Being an independent artist is a lonely existence sometimes and it helps the spirits to hear from all of you. Thank you so very much for your support! The 2007 calender is coming together and I hope to see some old friends and make some new friends as I travel in the coming year.

This year I am also grateful for the land we just purchased. Our vision of our own little piece of paradise is becoming a reality. I am staying home through the beginning of March 2007 so that I can better participate in preparing the land for building and planting. It's fun to spend time working on the land and I am discovering muscles that I forgot I had. I am also grateful for arnica montana.

Special "hey y'all"s:

**the Fab Act that is the Columbus National Gay & Lesbian Theatre Fest http://www.columbustheatrefestival.com/  Look forward to seeing y'all again when I hit Ohio!

**to the girls in the Tar Heel State. www.goheels.com  Go Ker-lie-nuh! This is our year!

**to the lusciuos ladies of Motherwit Web Design www.motherwit.com . Best web designers/graphic designers eva!

**to my friends at Boulder Pride www.boulderpride.org ...tough break in the elections but a might wind of change is blowin'. Have fun at the Rainbow Ranch festivities!

Let the HoliCraze begin!  Aloha, y'all!

Bonjour, mes amies! I am having a great time in Montreal. OK, getting through customs was weird as they asked me questions about everything under the sun for several minutes.  But, no worries. The Hotel Taj Mahal is lovely and perfectly located in walking distance from the theatre as well as other venues. And these folks are keeping us busy, I tell you! My friend and sister performer, Kimberly Dark, and I are traveling together right now and on Wednesday night, we performed at an open mic night for women at Metro Lounge. A great way to be welcomed into the Montreal women's community! Tonight, Friday September 22, we are performing and having a bit of fun at Femme Friday, also at Metro Lounge.That's at 1285 Amhearst, off of Rue St. Catherine if you are in town. And tomorrow, Saturday is Meow Mix. Check the calendar for details on that. I hear Kimberly may be performing some new, steamy works. Me-ow! I will step aside for Bruce to play with the friendly felines of Montreal!  Oh yeah, and we both have our regular shows. That's in the calendar too. And check Kimberly's website for her show info: www.KimberlyDark.com

That is all for now, ma chers! Bon soir, y'all!

My friends, the Columbus National GLBT Theatre Festival was a rollicking good time! I met so many amazing artists and spent much time talking and listening to them. Amy Salloway is a funny, funny woman. And the Puppett Queers are sick, silly, funny folks. Check èm out, people!

Also, None of the Above was honored with two awards: Best Socio-Political Show and Best of the Festival: Solo Show. I am very proud of that and I want to thank you all for helping to make this show what it is. The audience is crucial to the piece and everyone of you has had a hand in creating this piece so thank you for that. And I want to thank Bob Moyer for his work as co-wroter and director: all those hours sitting around drinking coffee together DID pay off! Seriously, thanks Bob.

So now I am in Montreal and finding my way around town. I will try to keep you all updated on the happenings here as I work my 5-year-old-sounding French with the southern accent.

Au revoir,

Jennifer

Oh my goodness, what an amazing weekend in Boulder! First driving in from the airport to town was spectacularly beautiful. I stayed with a good friend from back in North Carolina on her ranch....thank you, Sonya & Allison & Chica & Anjou for your warm hospitality for a girl on the road.

Emceeing the Boulder Pride Block Party was a blast!  www.boulderpride.org  Even the forty-five minute rain delay in the middle of the day didn't slow down the event. Folks were ready to have a good time and we all did. Boulder Pride has an outstanding group of members and board members who clearly worked tirelessly to make that event the huge success it was.  Mike, Robyn, Shara, Ever,  Sonya, Allison,  everyone I met was fun and fabulous! It was great meeting you, my friends, and I hope to see you again in Boulder soon. Oh yeah,  Bruce took over the emceeing in the afternoon and then entertained a little with a raucous "Pink Cadillac."

The weekend continued with a performance of None of the Above on Sunday night. The audience was ready to play and the response was positive. I believe we can safely catagorize this audience as rollicking! People seemed to enjoy themselves and as usual, Aunt Vera was a big hit! I have to hand it to the folks at Boulder PFLAG and the GLBT Resources Office at C.U. Jean & Steph: you ladies rock! Thank you so much, everyone who came to the show.

Also a big thanks to all of the C.U. students who were so helpful and listened so attentively to the classroom presentations. It was fun working for you.

 
I had a great time in Boulder and can't wait to come back! 

So I was listening to a friend of mine talking about the woes of other people having negative opinions about how she chooses to have fun. As I listened to her pour her heart out, one thought kept running through my mind: why do they care? 

It seems to me that there is enough room on this planet for a variety of plants, a variety of critters, a variety of ice cream flavors....there must also be room to accommodate a variety of fun. As a fun-identified person-of-fun, I say to negative-opinion-of-other-people's-fun-identified people, release your drive to tell us what to do and what not to do! We are just poor creatures on this planet struggling to find a laugh! We mean you no harm. By all means, have your fun your way. We wouldn't dream of stopping you. You do have fun, don't you? You do want to have fun, don't you?

A long time ago, I, too, was fun-impaired. I didn't realize it at first. I just thought I was seriously involved in the serious business of helping people see the seriousness of this very serious world. As I disdainfully watched the "shallow" people around me play softball, go to Beaux Arts parties, and watch drag & burlesque shows, I patted myself on the back for focusing on the "important work" I was doing. By myself. Alone. Or with others who also saw a whole lot of half-empty glasses everywhere. And I heard the question: Why does their fun bother you?

The answer took a lot of research. Not in the library this time. In me. I remember telling a story about my perfect wedding to some friends and for some inexplicable reason, it became important to me to get them to laugh as I told the story. The more they laughed, the more I wanted them to laugh. And that's when I knew I had found my path: telling serious stories in a way that makes folks laugh. Cause I discovered that when I get a person to laugh, they will actually LISTEN to what I have to say next.

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!