Back to life.

I stopped posting on this blog nearly three years ago, when my personal website died (see last from 2011 below), and I was planning a return to Seattle.

Fast forward to 2014, now a year after having left Seattle (again--short story: going back didn't work out in any demonstrable way). I returned to Toledo last January to pick up my unfinished academic threads, and am so glad I did. My old website's still dead, but I have found a vital new outlet in working with the incarcerated, which has been something I have attempted to pursue since (re)entering school in 2007.

I may start another blog soon to discuss the rewarding work I do with the inmates (I currently teach acting, and hope to soon be teaching philosophy as part of the Inside-Out program). I think a discrete blog from this one is probably best for that, and I will post here when/if I set that up. However, in the meantime, take a look at the other blog I have just started, Pell Grant Writing Initiative, which is an effort that is shared by myself and prisoners at Toledo Correctional Institution. Only one post is currently up, but look for much, much more to come in the future.

Happy New Year! ~Sasha

From The D. to shining Sea.

One thing I can say about my life is that it's never static. As a good Buddhist, I should merely smile and say, "yes, of course!" As a middling Buddhist, though, I say, "Holy crap! Is my life ever gonna be settled?!" Answer: never, even if I'm physically still. That's just the way it works.

This kind of sums up my experience, and I guess after nearly 40 years I have accepted it (for the most part).

As you may know, the plan post-grad was to move to Detroit. That is no longer true. For reasons that don't necessarily need to be elucidated here, several people (including myself) would benefit by my moving back to Seattle, instead. So...now I'm doing that.

Admittedly, this is not without some sadness. As much as I adore and have missed Seattle, I did have my energies directed toward the Detroit experience, odd as that may sound to some of you. I had actually fallen in love with the city. All the things I said about it in my previous post are true. But, when worthwhile opportunities that seem beneficial for numerous parties present themselves, you have to grab 'em while you can.

Therefore, all the stuff I asked for when I talked about moving to The D?--those hold true for Seattle, too. If any of my Sea-town compatriots know of any work opportunities, feel free to send me the details. I have a lot more experience and education than I did the last time I lived there, but I'm open to all kinds of stuff, despite having hopes I'll land something in academia and/or the arts--which are my two great loves.

I haven't seen some of you for 13 years now, and I look so forward to picking our threads back up. I also look forward to the smell of Elliott Bay, the abundant opportunities for cuisine and culture, and all of that GREEN. So green. I can smell the Douglas firs as I type this.

See you soon, Emerald City.

How'd I Get 10 Followers?

Cool, and I don't even know 90% of you, but I love you all!

I'm active again on Flickr, after a bit of a hiatus. View here.

Grad school breakdown!

This is way overdue--I'm finally posting the results:

I applied to 9 programs, all terminal Master's (I want a transition before moving to doctoral studies, rather than going through a straight-to-PhD program, for various reasons I won't bore you with here). All had strong programs overall, seemed to be more Continental in their bent (or at least Continental friendly--I enjoy Analytical stuff, but given my background, I lean less "Phi of Mind" and more "Phi of Art") and each had strengths or potential for expansion in my area(s) of philosophical interest, Aesthetics and Ethics.

The schools were:

Miami University (in Ohio)
University of Toledo
Kent State
Ohio University
West Chester University (near Philly)
Oklahoma State
Colorado State
Washington State
California State-L.A.

Most of you guys already know this, but for the uninitiated: don't pay for grad school. Typically, one receives a tuition waver, plus a teaching assistantship to cover living expenses (well, at least ostensibly--it's not like you've won the lotto, or anything). I was hoping for decent financial offers from both Washington & Cal State, because I miss living in both places (in Cal State's case, I'm right back in L.A.; in Pullman, at least I'm a few hours' drive from Seattle).

Anyhoo, I was accepted at all 9 schools, which is awesome. However, not everyone ponied up the $$$. As we all know, times are tough, and budget cuts affected nearly everyone. I did receive a couple of measly offers--one from Ohio U., and the suggestion I "might" be eligible for money in the spring at West Chester, but a substantive one came in from Oklahoma, so they took over as my front runner. Then, I received a personal phone call from the head of the department at Toledo, and everything changed. First off, he told me I was their top candidate (which is an ego stroke I haven't gotten in some time, so I had to revel a little). Also, he was so enthusiastic, collegial (philosophy types aren't always the most accessible folks) and sold the strengths of the program so hard to me, I had to sit up and take notice. A decent financial offer was extended, _and_ to put icing on the cake, the guy who will be my graduate advisor emailed to let me know that he was co-founder of a theatre company in Toledo, and that if I "wanted to do any more acting, we could make sure it fits around your seminars."

Once an actor, always an actor...let's just say that helped tip the balance, even though I was already sold. Sure, it's not L.A., but performing is performing, and keeping my artistic side exercised is always something I want to do, despite the career goals that have replaced professional acting.

So, after my study abroad in Scotland this summer, I'm Ohio bound. I never pictured myself living in Toledo for two years, but the strange and sometimes wonderful twists and turns my life has taken tell me to never dismiss anything out of hand, and to remember "beauty's where you find it."

I knew I'd find a way to work in Madonna. Viva Toledo!

Performing tonight!!

As some of you know, I used to work in comedy, and have been looking for a way to get my feet wet again. Tonight, I'll be doing stand-up as part of Comedy on Broadway's 6th Open Mic Contest. Come watch me do my stuff and vote for me! (You get two votes, so you can vote for the person you really like, plus me. ;) )

It will be a great time. Come listen to me bitch about Lexington and maybe do a little dancing...

Comedy Off Broadway Open Mic Contest

See you there!

Final shots from the KITH tour.

Kevin McDonald has really good energy. He's a sweet guy:


Superstar Dave Foley...it feels otherworldly to be in his presence:


And I know it's fuzzy as hell, but since I've got another picture of myself with Bruce McCulloch, I'll post it for my own viewing pleasure:


I met Scott briefly, but didn't get a photo, and didn't get to meet Mark at all...*sniff*. Next tour, next tour. *Sigh* :)

More KITH magic...

So, I went to see Kids in the Hall again--this time in Cleveland--and somehow by the grace of Whomever, I got a 2nd row seat, without even trying. It was so wonderful to watch the show so close I could practically count the leg hairs underneath the boys' pantyhose.

And I got to meet Bruce again--and most of the other members this time. Bruce remembered me, told me they didn't often have "pretty goth girls following their tour," to which I laughed and said, "I'm a goth girl?" He replied, "Well, maybe just a little," with a smile. We then posed for this photo, where I proceeded to grin the grin of a dorkily excited, googily 14-year-old girl. It was marvelous.


Pics with Kevin and Dave to come soon. But this one had to have its own entry.

Back to reality now, Alexandra. :)

Still basking in my warm, fuzzy post-KITH glow...

I've been an avid fan of Kids in the Hall since 1992, after their show began airing on Comedy Central (I never had the dough to subscribe to HBO). Their eclectic, off-beat, intelligent humor has influenced me greatly over the years (in all facets of my life, but especially in my acting, writing and directing) and after the first time I saw them, I knew they were plugged into the screwy way I saw things. It was such a pleasure when I got to see them live in Los Angeles, back in 2000. So, when I heard they were touring again, I happily plunked down my $50 and drove to Nashville to see them, last night. Despite the shitty sound system of the venue, the show didn't disappoint, and the energy of all the guys together is nothing short of phenomenal. They are truly a force of nature.

Now, I love all those boys--they're all crazy talented--and probably have had a crush on each of them at one time or another, but Bruce McCulloch has always been my favorite. Out of all the Kids, I have found his work to be the most risky, unusual and off-center. That resonates with me--as mentioned, his work has provided a rubric for much of my own performance and writing. In short, Bruce fucking rocks. When I heard the crowd chatter that the Kids were going to do a brief meet-and-greet before hopping on their bus, I decided I'd hang out, just to see if I could get a quick close-up glimpse or maybe a hand-squeeze from the object of my adoration/affection. Wow, did I get one better! Not only did I get to meet Bruce, fawn all over him, tell him how I had ripped him off in my own work (to which he replied "Please! Rip me off!" with a laugh), but he placed a 100% unsolicited kiss on my cheek when giving me the hug I did ask for. *sigh* I think I floated out of the building.

Meeting famous folks you dig is admittedly, always a little exciting, but when you meet an idol--especially one who's so open, gracious and charming--well, it just makes for one awesome, awesome evening. See you in Cleveland, boys!

Some Bruce brilliance:


Daves I Know:


My Pen!

No longer Irregular!

(Well, at least for the summer...)

Ease into Sasha's Slot:

Saturday nights/Sunday mornings, starting May 3rd/4th
1a-3a EST (10p-12a PST/11p-1a CST)

Listen here
Lots of new college radio releases mingled with a healthy dose of 80s/90s darkwave and a few musical curve balls, just to keep you on the edge of your seat! See you there...

Another chance to feel it + somebody wants me as a mistress!!!

Sasha’s Irregular Slot!

Saturday night/Sunday morning, March 29/30

1a-3a EST/10p-12a PST

Listen here or at 88.1 on the dial.

You know you’re craving a B-12 shot in the ass...listen to the Slot and I won’t let you down!

----

I did a Google search on myself tonight and some random fan dude voted me as someone he would want as a mistress, back in 2002.  Wow, I really could have used that post-divorce--wish I had have known!  Scroll down to Dark Minister:

Additionally, a Chinese entertainment page put me in a lineup of naked people.  Whoo-hoo!  I’ve gone international--I feel so special!  *cough*

Sasha's Irregular Slot Rages Again!

So, if you missed my first radio show in 14 *cough* years last week, y'all got a second chance to check it. I dusted off the cobwebs and now I'm ready to shine.

12a-3a EST Friday night/Saturday morning, Feb. 8/9 (that's 9p-12a for any math-deficient--like myself--west coast friends).

Out-of-towners/computer listeners: here.

Locals/old school: 88.1 FM.

Make it so.

Listen to Sasha's Irregular Slot!

As some of you know, I used to be a radio DJ many moons ago, and I'm working my way back in as an alternate for WRFL-FM, the student-run station for the University of Kentucky. I'm doing my first solo show (Jesus, since '94) today, 2.2.08, from 4-6 EST. Out-of-towners can listen here, and you local folks should already know it's 88.1 on the dial.

Tune in to the show! And be gentle, it's my first go-'round in some time and the technologies have changed...I'm sure I'll bugger up a few things, but damn, we'll have fun.

On da radio...Monday night 1/7!

I'm working my way back into DJing for WRFL-FM, the student-run radio station for the University of Kentucky, which served as a major creative outlet for me, many years ago. Tomorrow I'll be (re)training and riding shotgun with my long-time pal Percy Trout from 8:30-10 pm EST.

Out-of-towners can listen online at: WRFL, and for those in town--well, you should know it, but if you don't--it's 88.1 on the dial.

Percy's hilarious, and we always have a good time. Tune in!

What do I do now?

Well, the stress of the semester is over. I got my grades--they were pleasingly good. Did a celebratory drunk on Friday; after a bit of a false start, ended up having a fabulous Sunday. Woke up this morning with no obligations for the next 3 weeks, other than catching up on the transcription job I do from home. So, I've got nothing but time. What's a girl to do?

Guess I'll start by watching this early, awesome Tom Jones video. Love the intro with the candle--it's random and hilarious:



That's good. Now on to more idleness! :)

This morning...

...my Dad left me a voice mail in the style of Karl Childers, to congratulate me on getting into the Honors Program at EKU.

Made my day.

The Year in Review.

So.

It's been a year since I left Los Angeles. Last August 29th, I tearfully gave away the last of the things I couldn't fit into my storage space or my rented vehicle (my low-rent vulturous neighbors were more than delighted to pick through it all), and myself and my three feline children hit the road. We drove straight through the desert, the mountains, the trees--never stopping except for pee breaks and food-on-the-run--until we stumbled, exhausted, into an equally low-rent hotel each night. When we arrived four days later on the doorstep of my parents' home (a respite I truly appreciate and often return to during my darkest life transitions), I think the four of us passed out and slept for a whole day.

I departed from Los Angeles a disenchanted, unhappy person. As I've outlined in detail in my previous blogs, I hadn't reached the place I wanted to be as an artist; I was broke and living in a shitty neighborhood where I didn't feel safe; my relationship of several years had reached its climax--and despite our attempts to make it work, it quite simply, didn't anymore. It was time to hit that big reset button, yet again.

Kentucky is by no means my favorite place to live, despite growing up here. It is very dear to me, a wonderful place to come back and visit; I find it beautiful and bucolic in many ways, but I've never been able to shake that it just doesn't feel like home to me. However, my folks are here, it's fairly affordable, and it seemed the most logical place to take a respite and plan for the future. Initially, I had plans to work on a cruise ship in Hawaii, but after reading horror narrative after horror narrative, combined with the cruise line's apathy in returning my calls, I elected not to dedicate five months of my life to indentured servitude. Instead, I chose to hang my hat here for a bit, to give myself time to really take a look at what was the most progressive, yet most satisfying "next step."

In the year that I've been here, I've worked several "permanent" jobs which proved to be nothing of the sort, and many, many temp assignments. Truly, I never wanted to find any employment that would keep me here too long; my intention has always been to go someplace else. No matter how comfortable Lexington and its environs are, my gypsy heart has longed for a new, or return to a "new again" place where I feel there is more opportunity (and saltwater--I hate being landlocked). And, despite my return to Kentucky serving as an escape from a relationship tornado, I managed to find yet another opportunity to get my heart broken. What can I say? When I care, I care deeply and with hope that it will be returned. There's another life lesson in there for me somewhere, I suppose; I'm still working that one out.

This year has been tough--hell, things have been tough for me since 2005--but I feel I'm finally turning a corner. I'm back in school; two schools, actually: University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, as a philosophy major. Heady, lofty stuff, but I've always set the bar high, which is why I've probably experienced my share of disappointment. I'm having an amazing time thus far, and only see it getting better. I'm a junior (currently taking 18 hours--again, those lofty goals), and I anticipate being done in a year and a half. So, I'm thinking early 2009, I'm on my way to grad school, back on the west side of the nation--or maybe even Europe. We'll see what opportunities present themselves to me.

Oh yeah, and I'm applying for a grant to develop a one-woman show, incorporating much about my full-circle journey home. It'll be swell, I promise. So, wish me luck, friends. Changer oui!

Wow--finally! The new X-Files film is on its way.

Looks like it's official. I've got to get back to L.A., so I can at least do extra work on this movie. I wasn't ever able to score work on it, when the series was shooting. I don't know how I feel about a stand-alone--I'd really love to see some of the mythology stuff worked in--but I'm extremely excited, nonetheless! Who knows...Chris Carter & Co. may just be saying that to throw us off-track, anyway.

Take a look at the July 17th entry on the Official Gillian Anderson website.

The Police!

Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck I wanted to go to this show so bad...

I just won a ticket on eBay! For $100 less than face value!

Sometimes it pays to be single--it was the only individual ticket up for sale.

Next week: Me. Sting. Stewart Copeland. (Oh, yeah, and the Summers guy.) It's a date!

:)