Colorado and the drive South West towards Arizona

My first stop was a long anticipated one at The Orient Land Trust's Valley View Hot Springs in South West Colorado.  I got a campsite for the night with electric and was allowed to stay the whole next day as well to use the hot springs until close... it was glorious!  It was a grand experience and one I hope to repeat soon.

Orient Land Trust

One of the springs at Valley View

Web Site:
http://www.olt.org/vvhs



Then it was on towards AZ and the path lead my right through Pagosa Springs which is another mountain hot spring town I adore.  I stopped at Overlook Hot Springs for the second time as I knew it'd be more quiet than the bigger spring in town that I still have not chosen to try out due to it's family resort draw.  

Web Site:
http://overlookhotsprings.com/


The park there is unique in that they have 3 little pools along the river where the hot springs run off and then into the river.  I took a last minute, late night, hour long soak there and was very tempted to shoot some video, but did not want to draw any extra attention to myself, though I saw no one while soaking.  Perfect end to the little stopover.

I kept heading South West and finally ended up in Jerome, AZ for what I thought was only a day stop.  But there were developments afoot and an acquaintance that crossed paths with me again so my time there was happily extended.  I applied for a dream job and went camping a short ways from town at a spot the locals know and frequent with my friend Christopher.  All in all, a fine weekend passed in one of my favorite places and I may be returning more often than I could have imagined... but I'm only hoping at this point.

found at the campsite by Jerome... a nice cactus heart

I traveled through Prescott Forest for the first time but was too low on fuel for me to consider driving the 6 miles on the rough, dirt road to get to campsites other friends had said I should see.  Instead I headed to Prescott and spent the night in a more boring fashion at a Walmart.  

I had no idea how it would be in spring here in Phoenix, but man soon as I arrived my allergies knew it was bad news!  So many blooming plants, trees and bushes - the gardenias being the worst surprisingly. And I admit I was not ready for the valley heat here, since I'd been at higher ground for a while and spoiled by much more temperate climes. I will not be lingering long here but have a few friends to see yet and some plans to hatch.  

I head to Albuquerque to perform for the first time on March 28th 
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/513761335428587/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

and then again on April 4th
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1560120114237155/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular



Next on the schedule... NO shows sadly as I am trying to get at least a seasonal Workamper job soon or ideally the Jerome spot so I can "settle" for a bit and get writing done.  Stories need telling.

Colorado Springs

It's been an interesting and very fun time here in Colorado Springs!  I have only a few days left to enjoy it.


First of all, I have a debt of gratitude for the two businesses here that have allowed me their hospitality while in town:

The Zodiac Venue & Bar 
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/zodiacbar

and 

The Green Line Grill
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Green-Line-Grill/172900549560923

Both of these fine establishments work in conjunction with one another and foster a very friendly, happy atmosphere.  They have a regular base of patrons who love them of course, but they can always find room for new faces and friends.  So please stop and visit them if you are in Colorado Springs!!

The show on Feb 7th with Echo at Zodiac Venue & Bar was so much fun!  I offered to record it and am working on getting those videos out currently to my fellow performers.  

You can see images of the show courtesy of Krieg Photography 
https://www.facebook.com/PhotoKRIEG?fref=photo
Show Image Gallery on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1565395723719665.1073741843.1472106873048551&type=1



I've made several good friends here, with the promise of more to follow this Friday at the next show here at Zodiac with the Peaks and Pasties troupe. 
FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/peaksandpasties
Show Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1411858579107580/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

The show is a fundraiser for the Colorado Burlesque Festival which is July 9-12th 2015.
Web Site:
http://www.coloradoburlesquefestival.com/



I'm excited to be starting a costume project for my new good friend Echo and possibly for a few other fellow performers here in town.  I am very appreciative for the work!  Making the cool gear is what I really dig after all.


There have been yet more technical difficulties with the Timorous Beastie here... I accidentally helped to short out the main power plug because I didn't realize I'd turned a heater on a higher setting... so that isn't helping anything.  I have an extension running out now from where I'm thankfully able to park (SO grateful for that!!) so I can run a little heat cause it's cold in CO in Feb... go figure!  


My next stop is Seattle and I head out after the show on Saturday AM.  Looks like more snow is on the way too... but time mandates I head out anyway.  I am forced to take the more boring route to save time and fuel (less mountains) and head up 25 North.  Praying the winds will not be too strong, but I've driven up that way before once a long time ago.  Planning many repairs on the RV while in Seattle as well as much needed time to visit with an old friend.  


Then I am not so sure as I was yesterday about where the path will lead me. Lack of funds is quickly becoming an issue. Regardless, I must press forward as long as I have money for gas, propane and food for myself.  Of course there are many other costs of living and bills which need maintained but those can, if need be, fall to the wayside.  I am looking for a seasonal Workamper job if I can find one - that would aid me in RV hookups at least, but at best would offer a wage too... and put me in one spot for several months.


My next definitive destination lies South in New Mexico and the 2 shows I have in Albuquerque on March 28th and April 4th. 

March 28th with Burlesque Noir:
FB Burlesque Noir Page:
https://www.facebook.com/BurlesqueNoir
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/513761335428587/

April 4th with Paris A Go Go Burlesque Review:
FB Paris Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ParisAGoGo?ref=br_tf


I know I am going to stop in Phoenix on the way to NM regardless as I have unfinished business there with a friend and will happily see it done.... or begun... either way, it's set in motion. 


On another note, I have very exciting news in the works for June and July but it's early days yet so am not at liberty to go into the possibilities, but they are great and uplifting.  Fingers crossed I have much good news to share soon!  In the mean time, trying to keep on keepin' on. It's cold out here and flying solo is lonely... but also offers much freedom. Now it's what is done with that "freedom" that matters.....

Leaving Las Vegas, the road to Jerome and Colorado meanderings

Las Vegas... it is called the city of Sin for good reasons.  It is certainly not a town that is suited to me, but it is useful for work and to see friends.  The leaving of it this last time was something surreal indeed....

More to follow thru on my word to myself to do it far more than any desire to actually make money off the endeavor, I did go to Fremont St dressed as a showgirl on the last two days I was in town.  The idea being to allow tourists to take pictures with me and tip me for that. Many regular buskers out on the street were super kind to me and even told me some of the regulations and tried to help me out.  

I went out at the urging of my friend Dr Brian King who was interviewing me and taking photos.  

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

Brian is a comedian, he holds a Doctorate, he acts, he is a photographer and much more.  He travels to perform and takes time to do interviews with interesting friends and new acquaintances for his YouTube channel. 
You can find him here:
Website:
http://www.drbrianking.com/ 
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdiYuVzngz2RUBlezRO-_Q

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

photo by Dr Brian King

Brian wanted me to go onto Fremont St to keep challenging myself and to stick to my word.  I was happy that he would be there with me the first time venturing out.  He followed me around a bit and shot stills and video but also left me to my own devices now and then so more people would approach me.  People really dug "the weed girl."

I only wish Brian had been there with me the next night when I was only out for an hour until I left in haste.

The way I left the street was dramatic and not something that I would have chosen to do. Rather the choice was made for me and I allowed it to be so. Again, this town is NOT my kinda scene at all, nor the bustling touristy action of Fremont St in particular.

I was "run off the street" by a regular busker there who is also a former burlesque performer.  Names will not be used... she knows who she is and so do a lot of other people.  I knew OF her before meeting her and was told she was not to be trusted... but I am kind hearted and tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. Alas, such generosity is not always warranted and this was one of those situations that was just going to go poorly. 

I was told I should stay in burlesque and OFF Fremont St (as if it were privately owned).  I was told I needed to have my tits and ass worked on too if I intended to "get anywhere in the local scene."  Mind you all the while I am being yelled at by a very sad and angry woman dressed as a pirate while I am calmly standing in disbelief dressed in my "weed" costume. It was quite a laughable sight I am certain and the tourists were eating it up.  

So I take all that she has to sling at me yet still try to take the high road and speak with her calmly... which she does not allow.  In future, I will simply pick up my gear and walk away from such stupidity and blatant projection of one's own disappointment and shortcomings thrown onto an outside source.  Lesson learned.  

She, however, will have learned nothing from our encounter... only a deeper love of her angst and more reasons to be bitter about the loss of her dreams.  

After she stormed away, telling me to fuck off as she did so, I too returned the instruction but to deaf ears.  Then I headed back furiously to my RV, ranting all the while to myself while dressed in huge feather headdress, long fur coat and almost no clothing otherwise.... thankfully I brought my sensible boots for the walk back.  

I utilized FasterEFT to work on the incident as soon as I got back to the RV. By the time I was ready to leave, I was at peace with the whole ridiculous scene. I was very happy to leave her to the street she coveted so much, as it suited her far better than it would ever suit me.  

For me, the two ventures out onto Fremont were a personal victory over my issues with chemicals and people - so I won regardless of anything else that occurred.  

From that hotbed of hatred, I went to my happy place... Jerome, AZ.

BUT... the RV wasn't having it all happen so easily.  I'd just spent $1400 in Vegas on her but she ate up another $800 in new shocks all around in Kingman, AZ.  I stopped for gas, a low tire led to news of the totally rusted on original shocks which had to be CUT OFF.  3.5 hours later, I was on my way again.  I was able to stop in Sedona, AZ at a great health food store then parked in Cottonwood at a Walmart for the night.  I spend SO much time in Walmart parking lots these days, and I really do not like supporting that store... but have done so since being mobile because there are pluses I can't ignore.

The next day I head up the hill on a very nerve wracking, tight drive into the tiny streets of Jerome.  I called ahead to make sure there was a spot to park my big ass, which there was... and it was a paved, fairly flat parking lot that I was able to stay at overnight so I could spend the next day in town too.  Sunday and Monday were glorious there.  The energy on the hillside is like a tonic to my soul.  

While there, I met a man named Markus who has many talents and skills: musician, artist, film maker, talent agent, etc etc... but one of the truly divine skills he possessed was the ability to channel information from intangible sources.  I spent several hours talking with him, getting in touch with what I am meant to be doing and getting tips on how to proceed forward.  It renewed my sense of faith and drive.  I am acting on the information and will continue along the prescribed paths as they come along and enjoy the process and the ride.  It's good to know I have a posse of souls on my side looking over me... 15 spirit guides to be exact.  It is a great comfort and I never feel alone now.

Then I moved on from there to Phoenix and Mesa.  

I was able to visit with my new good friends Tom and Aida in Phoenix who let me park and plug in and use the shower... for which I adore them even more.  Tom has a blog and was kind enough to make mention of me stopping on NYE:
https://aztommycat.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/ringing-in-the-new-year/

I also had tea with my excellent friend Scooter Harris.  
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/scooter.harris.33?fref=ts 
Etsy Shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioHadra?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Website:
http://studiohadratimes.com/
We met at a comic book shop/coffee shop called Gotham City Comics with this nice T.A.R.D.I.S. mural for the back door entry:

back door to Gotham City Comics in Mesa, AZ

Find them on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/gothamcitycomics


In between those things, was the Karma To Burn show that I came to Mesa to see.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karma-To-Burn/118432638215095 
Website:
http://www.k2burn.net/

It was a strange basement venue that was all ages and had NO liquor license... this was not happy news for my friends I can assure you.  I made my RV available to them as a refuge and a place to drink and chill.  It was lovely to see them play regardless of the odd vibe in the place and the rules of Mesa... they had to be done playing by 10:55p!  

no time for a long set list....

I parked in the hotel parking lot where the guys stayed and made us all no bake cookies (which were a big hit) while we got to hang out a bit.  They left without a goodbye in the morning... which is not shocking.  That whole adventure is not done yet though... I'm catching up with them again in Denver on the 9th.  Then it will likely be a long while till I have that particular pleasure again.... so I'm gonna soak it up! Good metal in person just can't be duplicated.

From AZ I traveled up north to Colorado... in the rain and snow.  The cabin over head still leaked of course, so it smelled of wet particle board and mold... and was starting to make my feel physically unwell. 

I made it to Cortez, CO where I stopped to sleep for the night and hit a dispensary the next day before going further into the mountains.  I was talked out of going to Durango simply because I didn't like the words "sheer cliff" when asked if I was going over a big pass to get to town.  So I altered plans and took the advice of the guy at the shop (who recalled me from a prior trip last year!) - I went to Ridgway to Orvis Hot Springs instead. 
Facebook:
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orvis-Hot-Springs/111966142180026

The Hot Spring was great!  I "camped" over night without a place to plug in but with all night access to the springs... totally worth it. But it was super freaking cold in the RV cause I have been trying to not use the furnace and burn thru propane like water.  But between 2:30a-5a NO ONE was out and I had the whole place to myself.  Pure magic.  

my new Orvis Hot Springs T-Shirt

The next day my pal Brent came to check out the springs since he just moved to a town only 36 miles away. He is the reason I was heading in this direction, as he is helping to rip out the moldy wet nastiness over my head in the cab... such a very nice guy and a good new friend that shares many interests.  I am currently typing and looking at the ripped apart mess and feeling like hell for it... but there is no choice as that has to all be removed or I will just get sicker and sicker by the day.  It's gonna be a rough week at least due to all the upheaval and physical challenges - and I can't even do ANY of the work or I'll really be ill.  I'm very thankful he is willing to help me out! 

So I'm here in the Montrose area until Friday morning when I must head to Colorado Springs for the show on Saturday.  I haven't been able to book a lot of performances, so it's a special treat to look forward to at the end of this week! Here is the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/817617314961231/

It's a lovely area here in the SW part of the state and I'm happy to be able to go to new places I've not seen yet. I'm meeting all kinds of nice and interesting people along the way.  Ridgway CO is a great little town with a lot of cool history - True Grit was filmed there and a cafe bears its name today.  

view from parking lot at Orvis Hot Springs

view from parking lot at Orvis Hot Springs

the park in Ridgway, CO

parked at the public park in Ridgway, CO

And there is a nice but pricey, organic dispensary in town and I had to stop.  3 lovely ladies greeted me.  One of them was interested in costumes and burlesque which was cool.  They were all very sweet and they even tipped me off about a Russian dancer/producer in Telluride that I should try to meet... so I have a new task in locating this person whose last name I don't have. 

lovely sunset upon arrival....

when i walked out the moon and clouds made it even more beautiful

There is a lot of Old West charm here and fine local artists like Lucy Boody and Mike McCullough.  I had to buy a piece of her fiber art, a lovely flower which will be part of a Mother Nature # one day. 

fiber art rose by Lucy Boody

Check them out here:
Kings Armor LLC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kingsarmor
Lucy Boody on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lboody?fref=ts
Michael McCullough on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michaeltimothymccullough?fref=ts 

The kind and creative people you find in mountain towns are icing on top of a lovely natural cake.  I can't get enough. I shot a bit of video in town:

Adventures in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Las Vegas, NV

The videos may serve as the more entertaining way to learn about what I did the past week...


First visit:

Second visit:

The Landoll did come pick me up but after dark so the shop was closed.  Spent the night next to busy S Apache Dr and W Flamingo... it was nothing like the solitude of the night before that's for sure! 

The last day in Vegas is today.  I have a meeting/interview/photo shoot with 
Dr Brian King in a few hours.  A quick visit to say hello to a friend and then I hit the road again.... off to AZ!

New Year's Eve with Romantasy Cabaret

What can I say... I LOVED working with Romantasy Cabaret!

I was so well treated, received with such kindness and consideration that I felt instantly at home and ease.  I was grateful for a place to park right across the street from the back stage doors, so getting ready and being on time was a breeze.  

I was teary eyed at the end of the night when the producer, Lucy Morals, complimented me on my performance, my being so adventurous out on the road with only 4 years experience... and several more kind words that humbled me.  

Here is the glowing review Lucy Morals posted to my Facebook page after the event:

On 12.31.14 I had the pleasure of Michelle Osterday aka Miss Theresa in my Romantasy Cabaret show. I had never met her face to face. She submitted to the same audition process everyone else does, except she did so from many many miles away. A producer/director never quite knows what to expect from a performer they've never met but I wanted to go on the record and offer up a reference to anyone whom M.T. auditions for that she is an absolute gem to work with. Professional, on time, polite, and helped promote our event weeks in advance to the show date. She eagerly accepts direction and feedback, understanding that its only to help her grow as a performer and to help the production be better. Her costumes are delightful and she has a welcome mat out from us should she ever pass through Arizona again. Even my hard to pleasure stage/props mgr was impressed by how easy she was to work with. THAT says a lot, hahaha! Becka Bomb ; )

I am hoping to return to Phoenix, AZ and Romantasy Cabaret soon!  We all enjoyed each other's company enough that I believe it won't be long.....

Romantasy Cabaret can be found:

Site:

http://romantasycabaret.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RCromantasycabaret?ref=ts&fref=ts

Available for Hire

Every so often I will update everyone with a post like this to let you all know where I'll be looking for work, where I'm already booked and where you can meet with me regarding future bookings.

Lady Justice photo by Glenn Pine

Current Locations & Availability:

Now until January 23rd 

   in Las Vegas, NV

      *available anytime

January 25th - February 1st

   in Phoenix/Apache Junction, AZ

      *busy Jan 28th

February 4th - February 23rd

   in Colorado Springs/Denver, CO 

      *busy Feb 7th, 9th & 20th

Not confirmed yet:

February 23rd - ?

I may be returning to Phoenix, AZ

     *possibly booked Feb 28th


March 3rd - March 22nd:
  in Seattle, WA
   

March 28th - April 5th: 
  in Albuquerque, NM
    *busy Mar 28th and April 4th


May 27th - ?:
  in Denver, CO
    *busy 27th



June 26th - 28th (maybe a longer visit):
  in Columbus, OH
    *busy 26th or 27th (to be determined)

self portrait with home Las Vegas, NV Jan 2015

I am available in these capacities:

*Burlesque Performer

*Costumier 

      -custom orders for whole costumes 

        or single items

      -pre-made items on hand for sale

*Teacher

      -costuming skills like beading &

       headdress construction

      -selectively teaching my 20 years of

       BDSM/Professional Domination skills

       to a very lucky few

*Video Services

      -filming and editing

*Model

      -contact me for types/styles and rates

The trip West to Phoenix, AZ

I will begin at the start, as it's a long tale...

The packing up on the 24th was rough to say the least.  Very hard physically and emotionally, but I got as much done as possible.  I relied heavily upon good friends to help clear up my final mess at the apartment - a process which continues tonight.  

I stopped in Dayton for one repair, which turned into 2 more jobs and 2 trips to auto parts stores.  But my brother is great and fast though he's so injured, and I was on my way to visit my sister one last time for Xmas before leaving.  All in all, I left Dayton 6 hours later than I planned.  So I had to do my best to not lose more time on the way West.

I stopped in Decatur, TX so a new friend Brent could do a look over the unit.  He sealed the leaks, helped diagnose a few issues and granted me the hospitality of parking there at his place and plugging in.  He suggested we walk down the dark, quiet country road a few paces to see the rodeo happening... so that's just what we did.  It was a smallish gathering since it was the day after Xmas, but it was fun to watch at any rate and I got a real taste of Texas.  Very nice to get to know new people and go for a short adventure just a walk away.  Wish I'd taken my cell for pics though!

Then I was on my way the next morning, but had to really hurry and drive non-stop for about 18 hours.  I arrived in Phoenix at 7:30am on Sunday... tech rehearsal was 11am-4p.  I had an hour nap then watched the whole show in essence while there were breaks to tweak this or that.  It went very nicely and professionally.  I was very warmly greeted and treated so well!!  I am digging this crew of people so much already!  I can't wait for the show tomorrow night and the start of the New Year!

Last night I got to meet more new friends in person for the first time, though we'd been getting acquainted online.  Tom and Aida are super nice and we got to spend a good deal of time talking.  I can't thank them enough for their hospitality as well, and for taking so much time to help get things sorted, diagnosed and working on the RV!  They referred me to a friend of theirs who does repairs that need done, so I'm going on the 2nd to attend to some of that. 

There is a LOT of water/mold damage up in the cab up front, over head... so I'll be getting an estimate on what it will be to rip that all out.  I can't live with mold... it'll make me SO sick.  But the soonest I'll be able to attend to that is at the end of the month when I return to Mesa, AZ to see Karma To Burn play.  

So I've been getting things done as much as I can, getting mobile WiFi, finding out how to work things in the unit more (the books are Really moldy and gross, so must be copied).  All in all, it could be worse, it could be going more smoothly as well.  But I have to move forward and be positive that this is a good path.