Archive for February, 2009

Today I am participating in a production of The Vagina Monologues. For those who haven’t seen or heard of it – the latter which amazes me when I run into people like that – The Vagina Monologues is a show written by Eve Ensler. It began when she did over 200 interviews with women about their vaginas. It became a powerful book and play which is now done all over for fundraisers for women’s charities. In Edmonton alone, it is being done 4 times this year.

The show alternates between hilarious and heart breaking. The stories range from a 6 year old girl saying her vagina has a really big brain and smells like snowflakes, to an old lady who has “closed it up down there” since accidentally “flooding” all over a boyfriend’s brand new leather car seat to women abused in wartime.

The first time I did the show I had the privilege of doing the monologue “The woman who loved to make vaginas happy” about a sex worker who works with women and helps them find their moan. It’s a killer, hilarious piece. This year I have a few lines in the show, but have the best moan in this piece. The woman recites the different types of moans women make. We love to make noise! Mine is the Militant Bisexual Moan which stops the show momentarily for laughter and applause.

This show makes me think yet again about how important it is for women to be free to be themselves. Like the monologue says, some women repress their moans. And we repress so many more aspects of ourselves to be “acceptable”. When we suppress, we repress and we forget to stand up for ourselves.

The Vagina Monologues is an empowering piece reminding us that we have power and that when that power is ignored or allowed to be trampled, we become victims in subtle and obvious ways.

So, ladies, own your Vagina! Own your power! Own yourself! Be heard! BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU!!!

www.thebadkitty.com

It was my birthday on the weekend. Thank you, thank you for all your well wishes.

I have a challenge around my birthday. Like those children born right around Christmas who often have no birthday celebration, mine is the day before Valentine’s so I often get one or the other or a combination.

When I was a kid I had hearts and cupids decorations for my birthday. My mom really wanted a Valentine’s baby and just missed, so she made up for it with red decor. When I started dating, I often missed out on having both days honored. Being the day before the “big” one, it was easier to take me out for my birthday as most people would be going out the next day. One gift would do. Flowers were rarely given because they’re so ridiculously expensive.

I met a young woman recently who had the same birthday. I asked her if she had heart decorations for her parties. No, she said, her mom was always very adamant that she understand – and that the men in her life understand – that the two days are totally separate and should be treated as such. Good on ya, mom.

It wasn’t until my 40’s that I found a man who got it. I not only got a birthday and Valentine’s dinner, but I received a beautiful bouquet and handmade chocolates on Valentine’s in addition to the earrings for my birthday! Thank you so much, even though we’re not together anymore, that year was very special.

It’s so easy to take things that have been as the way they are. And, remarkably, when you change your expectations, you find those that will rise to the occasion. It’s called the Law of Attraction or, more recently, The Secret. It’s all about attracting what you want through your thoughts and energy.

I got what I wanted this year. I had a great birthday and a great Valentine’s Day despite being single. The latter didn’t include a romantic dinner and expensive chocolate, and it was great fun.

The same is happening in all areas of my life. The clearer I get on what I want, the faster it comes. I’m amazed almost every day at the things that are coming up. It’s an exciting journey. I hope you’ll continue to let me share it with you.

www.thebadkitty.com

I’m a little behind on my blog. I have a really good reason. I just love the picture of that fabulous shoe and I couldn’t bear to bump it down!

Actually that’s not it. I’ve been working on my book. THE BAD KITTY HANDBOOK is starting to take shape and it’s very exciting.

I had this thing in my head that I can’t work with an outline. I was all over the place with my book – writing down an idea or a section here or there with no plan. To make it even worse I didn’t have a regular writing time.

Finally I gave in and listened to others. I created chapters and set aside specific times to write. Wow, listening to advice can be valuable sometimes! Having those chapters has made a world of difference. I still do a lot of free form and my ideas come in the moment to be reworked later – much like this blog – but now I have a map.

Maps are good things. I do like to get lost sometimes. I find it fun to explore and discover. To find a new way to get back to where I need to be. I have a GPS now so am much less likely to take those meandering moments, and I miss them. So why did I say maps are good? When you absolutely MUST get somewhere with a time restraints, maps are the best!

I want to get my book done. I don’t want to meander around my brain forever. I want to share my thoughts and insights with you. And I want to make money! Without a map that may have happened – someday – but with the map it is sure to happen. And the plan is that by the end of the year THE BAD KITTY HANDBOOK will be ready for publication.

Wow, that’s way different than someday!

Within the map I still have some room for detours and to play with the ideas and change them up as the creative spirit sparks.

When I travel I have a loose plan. I have certain things I want to see and do. I’m not good at sitting on the beach or by the pool. I want to experience! Within that I go with the moment. When I was in San Diego a few years ago there were many things to see and do. I spent a full day each in the historic gas lamp district, at the zoo, in Balboa Park and on Coronado Island. I could have taken a tour and seen all that and more in a day. But I would have missed out on the quiet times, the discovery and all the great photos.

Life has a map. We all want to get somewhere and experience things. Keep those goals and dreams in mind. And remember to have fun along the way!

Be Beautiful, my lovlies, be YOU!

www.thebadkitty.com