Itsy Bitsy Wishes

Ok, so a little while ago I tweeted about posting a “Bitsy Wish List” for the Holidays. I was joking.

Looking for gifts for my friends has been a really tough chore this year, and I was wondering if everyone else was having the same problem. Apparently I am just as tough to shop for, as I have been asked many times now when I was going to post my wish list... So I’ve been forced to put one together for real, and it feels really silly.

Now I do not expect anyone to buy me anything. This is NOT being posted to ask for gifts!! I grew up not celebrating these holidays and this whole getting gifts is a strange and new concept for me. But between the holidays and moving into a new house, some of my lovely friends are already planning to give something and have asked for this list. AND IF you are looking for gift ideas for me, don't think I won't love whatever you give me- on this list or not! this is just ideas!

So hopefully this will help, if anything I think you will get a kick out of some of these links and may find that perfect gift for that unique, quirky person in your life!! OK, here you go…

www.PushinDasies.com -I’ve been looking at these two items forever!

www.goreydetails.net -All the Classic Monsters- Especially Frankenstein and his Bride, Alice In Wonderland, Tim Burton, Edward Gorey, Addams Family… Basically cannot go wrong with anything on this website haha

Etsy -I'm a huge supporter! And also of course of local art and crafts.

Support small businesses this holiday!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/idlehandsdesigns or http://idlehandsdesigns.com/-My friend Lyndsay’s jewelry is amazing! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I love, love, love everything she makes! (*cough*greencoffinring*cough*) haha

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollfaceDames or http://www.dollfacedames.com/ -A girl can never have enough hair flowers- especially the beautiful ones my fellow Tart sister Jezebel makes when she is not wowing us with her lovely voice on our stage :)

http://www.etsy.com/people/FableAndFury - fun jewelry, in just my style!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/uniqueartpendants - So pretty! I love the prints as well as the cuff bracelets.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackmirrordesign - The Victorian/goth/steampunk pinup side of me comes out when I see these clothes. I’m in love.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovedtodeath - My dear sweet Vegan friends beware, don’t go to this page. I’m sorry.

Oh, and Note: If you buy me dead things- no furry taxidermy for me please. Skeletons, pieces of bones, teeth and Insects yes, but I’m not one to wear furry faces or put them on my wall. Yuck.

Art:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NightshadeStudios - Everytime I see these paintings anywhere I can’t help but be a bit green with envy. I will own one someday!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrandOleBestiary - I do have a quirky sense of humor and love of things a little dark and twisted, and I can’t get enough of these pictures. They make me smile and would look great on my Oddity wall.

http://www.etsy.com/people/strangeling - I’ve always been a fan of Jasmine Becket-Griffith. I’m not so much with ALL her fairies, but I love the mermaids, Alice, and many other of her beautiful little creatures.

http://www.impsandmonsters.com/ - I already have a few of Justin Hillgrove’s prints, I love his imps and monsters series, especially the laboratory/things in jars prints.

Bordello Shoes -Um, pretty much anything Bordello. Size 6, please.

Vintage Books -I love the look of old novels. I can never have enough of them.

Curios -Well, I love odd things. Vintage doll parts, creatures in jars, vintage apothecary bottles, framed insects, circus sideshow memorabilia, odd vintage photos… and so on and so on.

Rhinestones -A girl can never have too many rhinestones, on anything!

For those who like to give practical gifts that you know will get a lot of use as well as love:

1) Gift Cards. I can always, always use gift cards to any fabric, costume, crafting store. Seriously. Display and Costume, Jo-Anns, Pacific Fabric, Michaels... Also Travel gift cards for airlines and hotels are very useful!

2) The Emerald Dollies have a house to fill now, and so anything house related would be very practical ;) For those of you who have asked: these are the themes of the Doll(ies) House- GREEN (duh!)

But other than that- our two main rooms have distinct themes:

· Living Room: Ornate, 30’s/40’s Hollywood-esque, dark rich greens, gold and dark wood accents.

· Kitchen/dining: Shipwreck, tiki, retro nautical. Bamboo, teak. Lots of lighter, brighter greens- mainly tones of that 1950’s aqua-ish green.

3) Prints. If you have any great Dollies images- we would love to have them for our walls in our upstairs office/creative space.

And for the charitable gift giver:

1) I’m a huge supporter of Seattle’s Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. They have been so great to my little brother and my family over the years, so support them! Donate money, time, toys and supplies (note: RMH always needs books, games and activities for teens and adults as well as younger kids. Parents and the family members of sick children need to have options of distractions and things to keep them busy and there are also quite a few teenage patients there as well)

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/

http://www.rmhcseattle.org/

2) I’m also a big supporter of Toys For Tots. It’s all of our responsibility to take care and make sure we give as much love and happiness to all children, they are our future.

http://www.toysfortots.org/

Hope that give you all ideas for some unique gifts :)

If anything, please remember to give to charity. So important to support our community!

Now… all of you can help ME out by sending me YOUR wish list!!

xo,

bits

The way I am.

Life is such a funny thing, you never know what it’ll bring. You know I’m just taking it day by day.

These last few months have been incredible: incredibly difficult, incredibly amazing, and utterly life-changing.

I look back to the person I was just a few months ago and am so surprised that I can see how much I’ve changed and grown in such a short time. Life threw me a few curve balls recently and for a month I was getting hit hard with heartaches, tragedies and general road blocks one after another, handfuls at a time.

I believe that these moments were a test to my strength and they helped mold me into the person I am today. In just a short month I gained a new perspective on what I want in life, grew more confident in my ability to achieve these wants, and lost a lot of the fear that was holding me back. In the wake of tragedy I experienced a few “AHA! Moments” and had some (positive, life changing) challenges thrown at me- I don’t think that I could of handled the pressure of the positive if I hadn’t just survived the tough times.

I’ve been lucky to have experienced a few great moments recently where you step outside of yourself and just watch in amazement, wondering how the hell you got to this very moment in life. It’s a great feeling.

Although I dearly miss those who I've recently lost- in death or just through life changes and choices- and who I fear I could be loosing soon... I’ve been so lucky to have them in my life and have them love me, even if for only a moment. I’ve recently added a few very special people to my life and have learned to appreciate and love even more some who’ve been in my life for a while now.

I am who I am because each one has touched, supported, loved, taught, encouraged, hurt or even broken me. Through the best moments and the worst- I thank you all for giving me the life I have had so far.

I feel very lucky to have the life I have right now and to have the wonderful people in my life that I do. I just want to say thank you and I love you all.

:)

My clock grew wings

Life seems to be flying by these days.

I’m not sure if I like it or if I want it to slow down. Some parts I want to speed up and get to the best parts: like new friendships and new paths in the career/hobby area.

But then as November is creeping up so fast, all I can think is “TIME, PLEASE SLOW DOWN!”

I’ve mentioned that I have a big project that I’ve been working on for months now. I am endeavoring to take on my first big production: a whole show with the Tempting Tarts! Different than our regular show set-up, bigger! Details will be coming as time gets nearer, but I must say sometimes I really feel like I finally bit off more than I can chew!

July was packed full of burlesque events and performances. Every time I turned around I was on a different stage! I needed it though because I’m taking off August, September- and possibly October too from my regular performing so I can focus, focus, focus!!! So don’t expect to be seeing me on stage very much, if at all, in the next 3 months. But keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for news about the Tarts in November!!!

Tweets

Oh yes. A simple note.
And I know, I'm pimping myself out. But since no one else will do me the honors, I have no choice.

Follow Me.
http://twitter.com/BitsyRini

Past Half Way

Summer is passing fast.
Funny how as you get older time seems to fly by so much quicker than it did as a child. I remember my summer breaks seemed to go on forever- endless summer adventures.

I’ve been thinking about my past quite a lot lately. In fact I decided I’m going to start a blog dedicated to my random memories. It’ll be filled with all the crazy things that have happened to me over my life- both the bizarre and the dark. They’ll be posted as I remember them, in no particular order.

Read them here:
http://lifelearnedinsanity.blogspot.com/

As for my day-to-day life here in the present:
I’m looking forward to my future.
July is half-way through and it’s been quite a busy month, only to get even busier!
I dedicated July to performances and photo shoots, and boy have I had performances!!!

I’m taking August off performance wise. It’s my birthday month and I think I deserve some R&R… I will be working on performance related things though as I am dedicating it as a “get costumes and props done” month. And also I’ll be using my time to get all the details together for my huge project that is coming up in November (stay tuned!) I’ll probably do a few photo shoots still, as well as a 10-day out of state work trip (for my day job).

I’m actually looking forward to September when things slow down (just a bit) I’m planning on only performing once or twice a month until the end of the year, recycling old acts so to save on $$$, I’ll also be slowing down on photo shoots until after November.

I’m already thinking ahead to my New Years plans and resolutions- number one on my list is to either hire an assistant or get an agent!

Ooof. My life.

Reminder of July Events!!

July look for two shows at the Rendezvous Jewel Box Theatre:

*The Emerald Dollies perform with two great bands on Wednesday July 14th at 10:30pm!

*And catch The Emerald Dollies with The Tempting Tarts for "Rock Out With Your Tart Out!" an all rock inspired show. (Dollies will be rockin some jailhouse stripes and cells with a little Elvis!) You can see this show Saturday July 24th at 7pm and 8:30pm.

*All you Washington coast, south Washington, Oregon people (and even you Seattle peeps who are looking for a fun weekend getway!) :

Come out to Long Beach, WA Fri/Sat July 30th-31st to see the Emerald Dollies TWO NIGHTS!! yes, both Friday and Saturday we will be performing alongside Portland's Rose City Shimmy to celebrate Jake the Alligator Man's 4th Annual 75th Birthday!

*ALSO on Saturday, July 31st some of The Tempting Tarts will be in Silverdale, WA giving Kitsap Co. a taste of the tarts!!

(image coming soon!)

Matters of the heart

Well, plans don't always go the way you hoped they would.

I'm a dreamer, and I always dream big. And once I dream it, I have a hard time being patient enough to wait for it. But life forces you to wait.

I'm sad to say that I've never fallen in love, even though I want to more than anything.

I thought I was a very patient person, but growing up in the "instant gratification" generation has worn it's toll on me. What happened to the days of long courtships, letter writing, soul mates, tortured yearning for another human being?

Am I the only true romantic left these days? Completely hopeless.

Today things seem so much more complicated. Dating is the worst of all. I really hate to date. I just don't get it. I keep waiting for my dating "Ahh Haa!" moment, but it just isn't there.

I don't understand why I can't just like someone, fall in love and live happily ever after. Is that SO much to ask? How does something so simple, turn so complicated?

Why are there all of these levels to dating: fast, slow, casual, exclusive, serious, official, 'just hanging out' (what DOES that mean by the way?) Why can't two people just like each other and let things go naturally? Stop putting all these labels on things or try to control the speed, just let it happen. Is that even possible anymore?

Maybe I'm turning bitter.
My rose colored glasses are getting smokey.
I don't always believe there is a pot of gold on the other side of the rainbow.
And sometimes I really doubt that it is possible to really fall in love.

But, being the dreamer that I am, I will continue to dream of love. And I still believe in dreams.

So I will wait...

And wait...

And wait some more.

Spot Bitsy: Upcoming Shows

July is a busy month!!
But we must not forget that June is still not over yet!

*First up, my last June show:
The Tempting Tarts celebrate Pride month in a Rainbow themed show! we have THREE wonderful guest stars: Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Disgrace Jones and OtterPop!
Two shows! 7pm and 8:30pm Thursday June 24th

Get advanced tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/114845



*Also, come out the the Pride Parade on Sunday June 27th to see The Tempting Tarts march in all their glitter and feathers!!

JULY:

*Monday July 5th at the High Dive in Fremont, you can come see me and my Classic Pin-up inspired "I Heart You" Act :) show starts at 7:30 and is a $5.00 cover!

Also in July look for two shows at the Rendezvous Jewel Box Theatre:

*The Emerald Dollies perform with two great bands on Wednesday July 14th at 10:30pm!

*And catch The Emerald Dollies with The Tempting Tarts for "Rock Out With Your Tart Out!" an all rock inspired show. (Dollies will be rockin some jailhouse stripes and cells with a little Elvis!) You can see this show Saturday July 24th at 7pm and 8:30pm.

*All you Washington coast, south Washington, Oregon people (and even you Seattle peeps who are looking for a fun weekend getway!) :

Come out to Long Beach, WA Fri/Sat July 30th-31st to see the Emerald Dollies TWO NIGHTS!! yes, both Friday and Saturday we will be performing alongside Portland's Rose City Shimmy to celebrate Jake the Alligator Man's 4th Annual 75th Birthday!

*ALSO on Saturday, July 31st some of The Tempting Tarts will be in Silverdale, WA giving Kitsap Co. a taste of the tarts!!

(image coming soon!)

Summer? Solstice...

Yesterday I was able to celebrate Summer at the Fremont Solstice Parade with my sisters in The Tempting Tarts! We had so much fun dancing in our glittery costumes, twirling our fancy umbrellas and throwing glitter.

Yes, I said umbrellas. Even though it was the Solstice Parade, the sun did not show that day. It was a little cold with sprinkles, but we celebrated summer as best we could!

Happy June-uary Seattle!!




Press Links:

The SunBreak

Seattle PI

Back To Reality...

Getting back into the groove is tough.

Especially when it’s a groove you didn’t really love in the first place.

I really needed a change of pace, and LA was a great little getaway. Even though I was still working, it was great to have a change of atmosphere.

Don’t get me wrong though, there were a few things I missed dearly back here in Seattle. My bed for one, having my closet (there is ALWAYS something I forget to pack!) and people… well, one person mostly.

Ok, enough getting all sappy…. Geez Bits!

Anyway...

LA was full of adventures as always…

SATURDAY.

Starting off first thing with a trip downtown LA and a visit to the Garment District. It was hot, crowded and miserable, but so lovely. It was a great “You’re Really Back!” moment!

We people watched at the curiously wonderful Clifton’s Cafeteria, ate the yummiest old people food ever, and spent some quiet time in the Sequoia Church.

Then onto the LA Science Center where we had al sorts of fun getting into things! I learned how Styrofoam shrinks in extreme pressure (a lesson that would hit home just one day later) and we panicked as we helplessly (not by choice) watched a father look for his lost son. That was scary! (He was eventually found, and then lectured by a very scared, relived and angry father)

That night we had a Tiki BBQ at Curtis and Heather’s new beach house. We made our own Tiki faces, played with sparklers and magicians magnesium, made s’mores and experimented with new and odd drinks. This probably would explain why I fell while standing still. Hmm, dangerous 99 Bananas...

SUNDAY.

Nothing much to tell about Sunday... I had so much happen on Saturday that I needed a day to rest!

MONDAY.

Monday was Hollywood day. Even though we had a late start (that was mine and my costume/act prepping fault) we started our day off with a late lunch/dinner/happy hour at Mel’s Diner. Then we did some exploring on Hollywood Blvd, stopping at fabulous wig and costume stores and Mann’s Chinese Theater for some much needed inspiration form Hollywood legends.

That night Case, Jenn and Tiff came out to support my performance at Monday Night Tease at The 3 of Clubs. Even though I missed out on hanging with my friends for a couple hours, I had some great times backstage with some lovely ladies: Scarlett Letter from LA; Miss Hells Bells and Daiquiri Dusk from Scotand; Olivia Rouge, Lou Lou D’Vil, and Cherrie A. Dorable from Finland. It was an honor to share the stage with them! And a big thank you to Rob the Balloon Man for being a hilarious host, and of course a triple big thank you to Lili VonSchtupp for inviting us onto her stage!!!

After the show, Jenn, Case, Tiff and I bar hopped and got a late dinner in Hollywood before heading to the Anaheim Hilton for a nights rest before our Disneyland adventure!!

TUESDAY= Disneyland. Enough said.

WEDNESDAY.

Wednesday we picked up dear Lulu Bell from the airport, had more time in the Garment District, then had a BBQ and “Impromptu Stripe Party” at my friend Danni’s place in Sherman Oaks. That was a great laidback evening.

THURSDAY.

Thursday was spent in Santa Monica on and under the famous pier for a photoshoot with Rottencandy Photography. We had so much fun and it was great to see Angel again!

Then Lulu was off for Ink-N-Iron and I had a day and a half to just relax before going home!

FRIDAY.

Friday was girls day/night out. We loaded up the car- Jenn, Tiff, Lauren and I. and headed out early for the little Danish themed town of Solvang. After a delicious Danish breakfast of aebleskiver, we did a wine tasting at the lovely pin-up and gangster themed winery Sort This Out. The warm spiced wine was soooooo wonderful!! And the OH MY GOSH Grenache was such a cute cotton candy pink wine! Yes, I explained a wine as “cute” but if you were there, you’d agree!

We ended our day in Santa Barbara. First hitting up Happy Hours with a few shopping stops along the way. Shopping while tipsy is fun, but dangerous!

Then we had fun dancing the night away to The Aggrolites! I saw a few old friends that night, it was great to catch up!!

SATURDAY.

Saturday was recovery day, and goodbye day :(

Lulu and I met up once again for the short flight home.

As much as I miss my lovies in California. I was really excited to get home.

Seattle makes me smile.