Writing From Minnesota --- I thought I would do some more FAQ's first
What's your favorite color, and why?
Black, - it's universal and fits my "Gothic" self-image... though bad planning on my part I have such a largely black wardrobe, with a longhaired light-grey cat... hair everywhere!
When did you start acting?
I don't think I am an actor; "Real" acting terrifies me. Shakespeare terrifies me most of all, as I don't EVER want to work in a venue where not only can I NOT improvise, but the audience probably knows my lines better than I do! I have however been performing (this way) for around fifteen years... I consider myself a "Comic Hack"
What made you decide to do shows at Renaissance Festivals?
It was a venue I knew, and had a little bit of experience in, and an environment I LOVED... the year before I wrote my show and went on the road, I worked for free as a street character at my home fair in Largo, Fl. It's where I first learned that I could make people watch me... and make them laugh. See, this showing-off/class clown stuff does pay off. I also had a support system there. Lots of friends who wanted to see me succeed.
Why do you live in Florida?
I don't... I have recently given-up trying not to call that "home" (why fight it?) I went to 15 different schools by the time I was 18... I did spend most of my time in Florida, but I consider myself rootless, and without a history. I live 'on-the-road' full time. I just bought an amazing new trailer; Figured as long as I'm going to live "nowhere" might as well do it comfortably! Today when I think the word "home" Clearwater, Fl. comes to mind. Specifically; An RV resort peopled mostly by senior citizens, across the street from the best strip club I ever worked at.
Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Besides the disowned brother, I had a sister, but she only lived 24 hours.
What's your favorite type of food?
Sushi! I also really groove on Thai food... I'm a vegetarian, (other than fish) and I eat very little Carbohydrates. So I eat at home a lot. Fortunately, I'm a pretty good cook.
Do you speak another language?
Alas, no. But I am going to start teaching myself Japanese again, probably as soon as I get to Minnesota.
What's your heritage?
White bread... I'm so white I'm wonder! I come from one-half Irish, one-quarter French and one-quarter German stock... so I guess my people wanted to get drunk, take over the world, and then have lots of oral sex. (Yup, sounds right)
Have you ever traveled out of the country? -Where, and Why? Was it fun?
I love to travel; I have always loved to travel... I have been to The U.K. (except Ireland) most of the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and Pango-Pango in the American Samoas... also about 38 or 40 of the United States, including Hawaii, (but not Alaska) I am going to Germany (Berlin) for two weeks this winter... want to go? Was it fun? It was GREAT!
Which country did you like best?
When I am ready to retire, I'll probably choose New Zealand. Of all the places I have been, Sydney and Toronto are my favourites (with LA, NYC, and New Orleans my favourite domestic cities). Of all the places I want to go and haven't - Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Thailand!
I mentioned in my last post that I was going to discuss how I almost got beaten up in Ohio- But it's too depressing, and I don't want to diminish the euphoria I feel from being back in Minnesota! I'll get to it, maybe in entry three or so. I remembered, hell I held onto the fact that this is the show where money falls like rain from the sky, But I had somehow forgotten how adored we are here. I also flew my spirited and brilliant 16-year-old niece in from New Orleans to enjoy our opening weekend. It's really funny; she has an interesting mix of adoration for her Uncle, and typical teen-age disdain. The Minnesota fans treat us like rock stars, and she's having a difficult time with the entire concept. It is bad enough that she saw her first "R-rated show ever" in Minnesota where it gets craziest, and she got to see the whole pig-tail-wearing, boy-kissing ugliness, but when several different people approached us in the Mall of America and positively gushed about the show, she kept muttering: My Uncle is just not that cool!
So I am going to split now, I have things to do and the niece requires MORE time at what the local often call "Mall of Gomorrah" I'll try to get to the Ohio thingy next week, and reveal the deep dark secret of my other identity.
