The summer so far has had some good stuff, some new things, and some odd happenings.
I was in two short plays written by teenage playwrights. In one, I was the main character and had to play a Dominican woman in her late thirties. It was a new challenge to play a different ethnicity and flattering to pass for late thirties. I enjoyed the people I worked with. A friend and co-worker at my regular job helped me with the two Spanish sentences that were in the script. My character had an anger problem and kept getting fired from jobs and blamed it on being Hispanic (even when her boss was Hispanic). The best part was the director loved all the faces I tend to make and didn't want anyone in the audience to not be able to see my expressions. What I find remarkable is those are the same faces that typically have gotten me in trouble at jobs and in almost-fights with people since junior high school. The acting world loves my expressions and doesn't want me to
hold back. In so many ways, it is truly where I belong (though not the only place). The writer of the play, Kari Luna, came to both performances, and she loved it both times. She was super happy with the results, and her joy seemed to compound my joy. She is sixteen and already writing so well. I have to say her play was very well cast and directed. Yet another great part was a friend and co-worker who is also a playwright came to see the plays. I didn't know he was in the audience until afterwards when he came over to me. I was so thrilled and surprised to see him, I threw myself into a big strong hug. Delish. The cherry on the cake (or the hash sprinkled on the weed) was that each person who runs the theatre company came over to let me know what a great job I did as "Carmen."
I really want to be able to dedicate more of my time to that path, but in a few weeks, the jobs get demanding again and I will also be glad to receive the second job money again as I have some catching up to do with bills that I fell behind on as I do most summers.
I also have connected with a group of playwrights that meets weekly. I attend as an actress and, along with others, do cold readings of their writing. Some of the playwrights are quite professional and have had plays produced. I felt very welcomed. And that's another thing I will only be able to do when on breaks from the evening job. Grrrrr.
A man I met and I were having a conversation that he interrupted to tell me I must've once been a real looker. I said that I notice his emphasis on the past tense. Then he said, "Even now you are a handsome woman." I felt like twirling my mustache hairs, but I just adjusted my balls.
The poetry workshop I attend when I can keeps me writing poetry. In recent times, my poems have gotten more laughs than my comedy. It's a different scene. Those listening do not expect funny. So when it is funny, they are really laughing hard. I have featured in a couple of poetry readings. I have to say that doing stand-up makes everything else I do seem easier than how I used to experience it.
I managed to get to several open mics to work on my comedy, met some more comics I enjoyed hearing working on their stuff, and I was pleased with my performance in a show.
I have another photo shoot coming up (free!), and I'm hoping to make this one different than the previous ones. More daring.
I figured out a sexual orientation status for me for now: I think I'm a celibate, virgin lesbian with an occasional taste for men. I get flirted with by everyone, have sex with no one, and piss everyone off. All in a day's work.
My month has been busy, and I have truly missed my She So Funny indulgences. I love how you never have idle time. Always working or working on something. You feed and educate all your interests and talents. To me, that is the sign of a fully realized personality. We are never done but you've dug in pretty well. As always, I admire you.
Liz, my dear, thank you for what you appreciate. Thank you so much. I get admired and looked down upon for the very same things.
I'm working as a freelance writer these days. I can't tell you how many people have said, "Oh, too bad you're not working." Unreal how perspective can work. You're aces in my book.
biiiiiiiiig hug.