A place I remember

One the corner of Main Street and East Bryan Street was once a Grocery Store and a few small shops.  Just down the street from the grocery store and laundry mat was an old building. It set alone.  The other buildings around it had already been demolished.   It was a thrift store and it was filled with wonderful  old things.  It was called the Browse and Buy Shop.  That was a funny name I thought. I was about five years old.   I had no Idea what a “Browse” was.  I quickly learned that a Browse was something you  do, not some thing you purchase.  It was and old store.  The cash register was an old adding machine and money box for making change.  Like many down town buildings, the old store front had large windows across the front and tall brick walls on three sides.   Inside it was a long open building.  There were just a few large beams supporting the center of the ceiling.   The ceiling I remember was pressed tin panels with rust showing through.  The windows always seemed dirty.  There were displays of used items in the windows that were arranged to make you want to come inside.   We would venture over to the thrift store while the clothes were cycling at the laundry mat. Occasionally, my mother would go to.   It was run by old ladies. They would greet my mother and count the children.  I think maybe they wanted to make sure no one was left behind after my mother left the store.   I explored the store.  I remember the smell of old clothes and old leather shoes.  My mom would buy us kids old jeans and some times small items for the house.  I loved looking at all the vintage clothes and imagine the people who once owned them.  Many were sparkly and looked like they were from the 50’s and 60’s.  The old clunky church shoes were all faced neatly below the rack just waiting for a new home.  But no one seemed to want them.   I also loved rummaging through the boxes of costume jewelry.  My mother called it junk, but I saw them as treasure.  There were old broaches, old watches and old earrings.  I always wanted buy something, but I knew better than to ask.  It would always be a no.  We learned not to want too much.  Still I enjoyed just being there.  I liked looking around and I saw value in the things that other people didn’t want.  Some times it is all in how you look at things.  I try to still see things this way.  In fact I still love exploring and good garage sale,  thrift store and flea market.  And over the years I have collected lots of treasures of my own.  I still imagine who may have owned these things before me. 

He sent the flood

Back in 2008, I was doing drag on the weekends and traveling on occasion.  I was also working full time for a company that would eventually close.  During all that, I had one night I will not soon forget.  It had rained off and on the day before.  I had done a show in Ft Worth that night.  It was a lot of fun and got lots of laughs.  My sister was staying with me.  It was nice to have some one else in the house besides me and the dogs.  She also was a good listener and a good cook.  We had been up late and finally gave the TV a rest and went to bed.  The rain outside seemed to get stronger, but I was safe in my warm bed. 

My sister woke me up with her loud voice, I could her shouting.  I had placed a pillow over my head to block the over head light and her sound.  “Get up” she kept saying.  “For what, you crazy” I snapped back.  “The house is flooded.”   Oh my God.  Was she serious?  Indeed the floor was wet when I stepped out of bed.  I could feel the wet seeping through my white socks.   My sister had gotten up during ht e night and noticed the floor was wet.  Then quickly realized the water was coming from user the living room door and had already begun soaking the floor in the hallway.  The near by creek had over flowed it’s usually banks and sent water into every home near by. I blame the recent housing development just down the road.  It had once been open field and the new homes left no where for water to go, but flow across the road and into older lower lying home.  The new development also meant inadequate drainage.    The house was flooded with dirty rain water.  The water had come in under the front door and along the base boards of the exterior walls.    The quick flood had been caused by the already full creek, and a sudden down pour and with in minutes, the water had no where else to go.    We quickly moved furniture and stacked it on top of each other.  We even open the front and back door to relieve the pressure and let the water pass though and out the other end of the house.  Our foundation was a slab.   So it was like water flowing over a huge rock in order to rejoin the flow of water that flowed out side the perimeter of the house.  The water was about 6 inches high.  That was probably about 1 foot of water from ground level.  The water had even left a ring around the house as a reminder of how high the water was.  It also left piles of debris scattered around the out side of the house and muddy puddles in low area after the waster receded.   The damage had been done. 

My sister and I were up from 3am until sun up. Pulling out rugs and drying out floors. We were mopping water and running fan to dry out.   The water had even ruined boxed of fabrics and  craft supplies that I used to make  drag costume  because they had been sitting on the floor. We also had to dry out closets filled boxes of shoes and costumes.  We looked like bums, with our sleeping clothes still on, pant legs rolled up. We were dirty and tired.   But we managed to keep the damage and loss to a minimum.  It was important to dry it out and avoid mold and the smell of mildew.   We worked together.  And it was ok.  There were other homes that had more water in side.  They were unlivable.    And also that was the last time I did my Comedy number where I came dressed as a NUN and did my “Like a Prayer-Papa don’t preach” mix.  Apparently God did not like it.  He sent the flood.

five things about me

Five thing s about me:

My first car was a piece of crap chevy.  I loved and hated that car

I want to go camping this year.  Its been years.

I have never been arrested. But had plenty of speeding tickets

I once got food poisoning from tacos.  I was sick for 3 days.

I  once told my job that my Grandma died, so I could have time off to compete in a Pageant.  It worked.

my new coworkers

In my life I have met some many people.  Some were important other were not. 

This week I have met some interesting new people.  Some of these people are my coworker in the office.  Each one is unique and friendly.  I am still trying to figure out their personalities. 
There is Beau.  He is my age. Mid thirties. Married with kids under ten.  He lives in an gated community and apparently is living beyond his means.  He is also insecure about having me in the work group.  It only took a couple of days to figure out that he is hiding his insecurities with a "class clown" attitude.  From what I gather, his wife's family is well off and he is killing himself to fit in and have a grand life.  He and I are very different.  I like him, but do not ever see us being true friends.  Also he is the first person in the group to look down his nose at others. Including me.  But I am holding my ground. I am not afraid to look backs up his nose at him.  I am a person, I deserve the chance to work and live and enjoy my life.  I am put off by his arrogance. 
Then there is Tim.  Tim is young and smart.  He has been the one to train me in my new position.  Some times I feel a bit shy around him.  I admire his ability to talk to anyone.  He is also liked by everyone in the group.
Clint is funny and quirky. He enjoys laughing and is a strict vegetarian.  He told me and I thought he was kidding.  All my friends eat meat.  It seems so limited, only veggies.  I like Clint, but some times he and I are the only ones laughing at this jokes.  I think he and I have a similar sense of humor. If you don't pay attention, you wont catch the jokes. 

 I also have one female coworker, Sarah.  She is very flirty and uses her flirts to get what she wants. I don’t understand why, she seems bright.  Maybe some day she will figure that out.  She is friendly and says hello to me everyday.  Maybe she and I could be friends.  Who knows.  Apparently we both like shoes and enjoy dressing cute.  She just doesn’t know it yet.   

I am hoping that these new people in my life continue to be friendly and respect me.  I am still new here and only time will tell.  But I am going to try to smile.  And be friendly too.

I ran into a friend, carrying beer.

I had a really tough day yeaterday. 

                I was tired and did not feel like cooking.  I decieded to go grab some food from a local fast food place.  Then about half way there, I changed my mind.  I knew it would be cheaper to cook at home.  I was hungry and wanted to make some thing quick and easy.  I stopped at the super market.  I grabbed a cart, and made my way into the store.  I looked up briefly as I shuffled through my pockets for some cash.  As I looked up, I saw a familiar face.  It was my friend Adrienne.  She was carrying a case of beer. Hey I said. “Mattie?” She replied.   She probably didn’t recongnize me. I was still wearing my dress clothes from work.  Adrienne is so used to seeing me dressed for a show.  We had  hung out with mutual friends before, but it had bween several months.   In fact her Aunt Michelle lived just around the corner form the store. Michelle’s house is where Adrienne and I first met.  It was about three years ago, she and I were both invited for a bar b que.  My friend Ginger was good friends with Michelle.  And Michelle was Adrienne’s aunt, even though they are close in age.  The group of us had a great time at the bar be que.  We laughed and I liked Adrienne.  She is funny and down to earth.  She lives close to me and when I see her, she is always friendly.  Once, Adrienne and Michelle even showed up to one of my shows in Dallas.  They knew I was performing and wanted to enjoy a night out.  I was supprised to see them.

                So I was at the store and glad to run into Adrienne.  I could feel myself smiling.  I asked her how she had been, and she quickly invited me over to Michelles. It was a good plan.  They were just haning out, having a few beers and talking.  So I grabbed some food and stopped by.  It was so good just to realx and talk and be around people.  I was there late but it was worth it.  I hope to hang out with Adrienne again.  Maybe I will give her a call and  just say hello. 

I have been busy

I have been training all week.  My new day job is going well. I will try to update again soon.

I have been taking on new challenges in life.  One major change has been the effort to improve my employment.  Back in October, I was faced with the upcoming New Year.  I wanted to make 2012 a great year for me.  I set new goals. I was considering a new job.  I had grown in my company but had reached a place of boredom and complacency.  I had even considered moving to a new city.  So many of my good friends had moved, and I felt abandoned.  

I weighed my options and consulted with the important people in my life.  I felt I would try to change things.  I started first by making other friends.  I have such a wide variety of friends.  I have gotten to know new people and currently feel like this was a good thing.  I enjoy them very much.  This included being more out going and friendly to people I already was acquainted with. 

Next I approached my current Manager at work.  I was interested in exploring other departments. But first I asked to be cross trained with another department.  I made the point that it would benefit our work group.  He said yes.  I figured it would give me more visability and help my resume in the long run.  This was a great thing.  I trained with our department lead.  He showed me more in-depth working our department.  I made me more aware of the workings of our group.   I felt good.  I was even asked d to fill in the lead spot while he was out for a few days due to a family situation.  I gained visability in the group as someone who can be counted on to be flexible. 

My Manager also told me about other departments.  He asked if I would be interested in observing.  This could consist of spending the day there, meeting management, and getting an idea about what the departments functions are. Also I would be able to promote myself to potential departmetn heads.   I said yes!  It took a few phone calls and set up time, but He made it happen.  I was allowed to observe in Sales and Customer service department.  I had a great day and met several supervisor and managers.  Most of all I liked the enviroment.  I was encouraged at the end of the day when I sat down with a few managers in an informal review of my day.  They had several questions about me, my back ground and my goals.  They encouraged me to look for upcoming oepning with in their group.  It was no gaurentee, but overall. I knew they liked me and appreciated my skill set.  When the postitions finally came open the work I had put into paid off.  My resume was perfect. My interview skills were sharp and my knowledge was vast due to the information I had been aborbing from any cource I could find.  I had spent my evening preparing.  It was the hardest interview. But I impressed them.  I had left  the panel open to the idea of letting me join them.  It was a huge leap from one job to another.  I knew I could do it, I had the portential to learn and grown and finally I got the call.

Yes,  I landed a new job, a start of a new chapter in my life.  This new postion was the blessing I needed, wanted and worked hard to obtain.  Now the rest is up to me.  I must learn fast, learn well and prove to my new group that I belong there.  I did not have to leave my job, but found a new position.  Sometimes change is good. 

random things

Just some random things about me.

I love Reese’s peanut butter cups.

I like Vodka and seven. Or some times a beer.

I recently got to see some of the “girls” from back home.  I enjoyed them.

My best buddy from work is off today. Bummer.

a quick snap shot during last nights show.

I love when my sister texts me funny lines from our favorite movies.

I cleaned the house yesterday incase someone showed up unexpected. No one did.

My drag luggage is still in the trunk from last nights show. 

Pipe dreams

When I was a kid, my dad worked for an oil field supply company. Growing up in Texas many families relied on the oil business. These businesses created labor jobs.I t gave people dreams of buying a house and raising kids in a nice neighborhood.  It was a place for poorly educated, hard working people like my Dad to earn a decent living. His job was to work in the pipe yard and was some times called upon to make deliveries to job sites.  These were no ordinary jobs. They were oil field jobs. Big oil rig were set up to pump crude oil from the ground.  An oil well is a general term for any boring through the earth‘s surface designed to find and acquire petroleum oil hydrocarbons. Usually some natural gas is produced along with the oil. A well that is designed to produce mainly or only gas may be termed a gas well. The sites were located in rural towns and remote locations.  Often times, roads were created just to access these remote locations. 
Oil drilling uses different type of pipe and supplies such as hoses, rods, pipe fittings, and gauges.  All were available from Flusche Supply Company, where my dad worked.   There are many types of pipe used to pump oil from the ground.  They vary in diameter and length. They would usually have to be hauled by large truck and specialty pipe trailers.   The pipe also had to be tested to withstand pressures.  This was done by hand.  Each one had to meet standards. You can think of this in the same way the doctor checks your blood pressure. One end of the pipe would be capped. Then a supply line and gauge would pump high pressure water in the pipe.  It would make a loud buzzing sound and the waters filled the pipe and almost vibrated form the high pressure. I remember my dad saying how the crew has to “buzz” some pipe before it went out. All I knew is it was loud.  The gauge would need to reach a set pressure with out failing.  Then the pipe would be expected to hold that pressure for the duration of the test.  If the pipe burst, it was scrapped. It was not uncommon to see water plumes spraying from open wounds of the failed pipe.  The dirty water also made a muddy mess in the pipe yard.  No oil rig wants pipe that could not with stand the pressures of the drilling process.  The scraped pipe might then be sold to metal shops.  The used it for structural purposes. 

The pipe was stored on tall racks around the pipe yard.  These racks were some times six feet off the ground.  It made loading and unloading of pipe easier.  Some times the pipe would be rolled one a time on the trailer parked parallel.  I remember seeing my Dad standing on the stack of long pipe. And he would roll the pipe with his feet.  It was like watching a circus performer.  He would balance and walk backwards pushing the pipe forward at the same time.  One by one they would roll on the pipe trailer.  I don’t know where he learned this, I suspect from watching other men do it on the job.  My dad was the shortest and lightest of all the men.  I suppose that was a good thing.  You have to be careful when rolling pipe this way. One wrong slip and you could catch your foot between the pipe and risk falling to the ground. 

That is what happed in 1988.  My Dad hurt his back.  It was a tough time.  I am not sure how we made it.  My mom worked as a cook. She earned just a dollar over minimum wage.  And my Dad was off work and collected disability from the insurance company before finally settling the claim.  I remember thinking. We must be rich.  But like all things in life, money does not last forever. My parents paid off the house. They thought it was important to do so. The oil field help many families survive and also left others barely hanging on. I remember my brother once working for a oil company.  I never understood why he would want to work there. It was tough work.  I saw it as a trap.  All that remains is old wells and memories of better times. I tried hard to get out of that small town and find a new life.

pain in the neck

I have not written my blog this week. I was sick over the weekend and it escalated to an ER visit on Monday night.  I noticed a pain in the back of my neck and severe head ache on Saturday.  I was supposed to go out of town for a show.  I went even though my neck hurt.  At the show I did all slow songs. That was some thing I never do.  I wore the same hair all night and was not my usual out going drag self.  I was in so much pain; I knew it was best not to drink alcohol.  I sipped on sprite all night.  I also left as soon as the show ended.  I drove back to Irving the next day and tried to rest for work the next day.  I was still hurting.  I went to work, but felt like crap.  By this time the lump on the back of my head was about the size of a potato.  It made it hard to sleep, so I decided to go to the ER.  After about 3 hours of waiting, the ER doctor told me I had an infection.  He gave me antibiotics.  I took the next day off and slept all day.  The swelling was the same but not any better.  After a few day of medication, I feel better.  But unfortunately I had to cancel my upcoming trip to Tulsa on Saturday.  Some times you have to put yourself first.  I will be back on the road next weekend. 
 Note:  the ER Doctor was hot.  If your ever sick in DFW, go to the Emergency Room at Los Colinas Medical Center.  The cute doctor even gave me some jewlery....a plastic braclet with me listed as the patient and him listed as doctor....we were meant to be together. I even shared a moment in the exam room.  He said " you may feel a slight pressure"  ha ha

Picture from my Talent.

 

I have had these pictures in my phone for a while now. I finally got around to posting them. They are from my talent number at Miss Texas State at Large pageant back in Sept 2011. It is my Big time/Dreams talent.   I jokingly call it my “Pretty-Pretty Princess” talent.  While making the costumes, I told my Sister I felt like a princess.  The joke stuck.  I loved this talent. I had a great mix of music. It started off with sound bites from Cinderella. The music would start and I came elegantly walking out and start singing to ‘Its time’ by Linda Eder. The music refers to following your dreams.  The clock lights up and chimes.  Then the music transitions to ‘Big Time’ by Linda Eder.  I do a costume change on stage by spinning out of the tulle skit and putting on a coat with tails.  I danced the rest of the song while expressing my dreams to make it big.  I had worked very hard on costumes, props, and choreography.  It was a great talent number. (if you look close, in one of the picture, you can see my sister Wendy, holding my jacket. She was waiting for the right cue.  She is always helping me and I love her.)

Two weekends at Garlows

Last weekend at Garlow’s was a rough night. Garlow’s is a small bar in Gun Barrel City. They love a good show.  I always see friendly faces there.  Gun Barrel City id just one of several smaller communities that surround Cedar Creek Lake south of Dallas.  The first time I went to Gun Barrel, was about 5 years ago.  The the crowd cant be beat.  They sing along with you and tell you that you are fantastic. I enjoy the genuine praise. They are laid back and not rude.  They respect the entertainers and also tip generously. I rained all day and into the evening.  Rain is not good for makeup and wigs.  The mud in the parking lot was a mess. But luckily I wore some flats.  Then put on my good shoes when I got there.  Then there was an issue with the music. Apparently, a drink had been spilled on the sound board in the DJ booth.  It was a nightmare. My first number was fine but the trouble continued. It was very odd to see everyone sitting in silence for thirty minutes while the staff tried to fix the problem.  In fact I even made a joke during my second number, that I was going to back my car up to the door and play the CDs on my car stereo with the trunk open.  It was frustrating.  The microphones kept cutting out and then, the music would not play or sound muffled.  The decision was made to cut the rest of the show.  In all my years, that was a first.  You can't lip sync with out music.  I was not about to sing a-capella. 

I tried to have an enjoyable weekend this past weekend, since my work week was so busy.  I made plans with a good friend, Luis. He and I are a lot alike and love to laugh.  In fact it’s been a long time since I had a good “girlfriend”.  So on Friday after work we made plan to go out in Fort Worth.  I had not been “out-out” in awhile.  I thought it would be nice to relax and hang out as myself and not in drag. I do not really consider show nights as a social event.  It is more of work-time recreation.  I was to meet my friend at the club around 9:30pm.  But in my usual fashion, I was late.  I had fallen asleep on the bed and woke up still wearing my work clothes.  Damn it.  I texted messaged my friend. He was already at the club and I would quickly be on my way.  When my body is tired, I should never lie down, because I will quickly fall asleep.  I arrived at the club but could not find my buddy.  Where was he?  I ventured across the street to another local bar. No, he was not there either, and he was not answering his phone. I went back to the first club, and found him. Apparently he was on the patio.  It is nice to get out of the smoke and noise and be able to talk in peace outside.  He had a small group with him. I was not expecting that. I did not know any of them and quickly felt out of place I ended up being the fifth wheel. I was glad I got there late. That meant, the night would soon be over.  .  I was hoping for a good time with laughs and drinks, but overall it was a bust. 

Saturday was the night of the Miss Tri-cities prelim at Garlow’s.   The drama continued into this past weekend. I had worked all day finishing three dress for my trip back to Gun Barrel City. Sometimes you can repeat out fits and music at different venues. But two back to back weekends meant I needed something new to wear.  I left town in the after noon and arrived in GBC.  I was about five miles from the hotel and my phone rang. It was bad news. The hotel where everyone stays, had no electric or water.  Apparently a water leak forced the fire marshal to close the hotel.  It is unsafe to occupy a building unless the water sprinklers work.  Damn, again I was frustrated.  Some of the queens were already half painted. How embarrassing.  We had to switch hotels with just hours before show time.  I painted like a mad woman.  I was thankful that the staff at the new hotel was friendly.  Even one old desk clerk said “ I’m a friend of Dorothy.”  That was a truly old phrase. It took me a second to figure it out.  I was like, who he heck is Dorothy?  I chuckled to myself.  We have come along way from talking in “code”.  The hotel honored our discount rates for the whole group and got us all checked in, even those in half drag and makeup faces.  The pageant was late but we had a great time.  I enjoy going to Garlows and you never know what is going to happen there.

Miss Tri-Citites Prelim

Here is the group photo from Miss Tri-Citites State at Large Pageant.

Left to right: Brittney Brooks, Mattie Madison, Natasha Parson (winner), Jade Books, Gemini Brooks. Back row. Channing Cole, Rusty Winters, and Sable Alexander.

My crazy life.

My weekly recap. 
Monday-worked all day. Prepared for thurs.
Tuesday-drove to OKC after working all day. Came back late same night.
Wednesday-was misrable from not enough sleep but still worked all day. Prepared for thurs.
Thursday-I worked all and had my interview for a new job with my company.I looked sharp. It was excellent.
Friday-worked all day and now I'm ready for the weekend. 

I left out all the fun things, like house work and laundry and meals...

Tramp stamps

Urban dictionary:  TRAMP STAMP.  I see more and more gay guys with this same marking.....I think they are tacky.

“Tramp Stamp” is a derogatory term referring to a tattoo which a women places on her lower back. It is especially popular among women born in the late 70’s, 80‘s, and even early 90’s. Fair or unfair, these tattoos have a socially constructed connotation associated with them. These women are labeled as tramps, whores, or other derogatory sexually promiscuous terms. Although these are often bias generalized claims, there have been sociological studies done by the American Psychological Association, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and other demographic researchers showing strong correlative evidence associating tattoos with high risk behavior, illegal substance abuse and sexual promiscuity. These risk factors are greatest in the age range which these types of tattoos are gaining main stream popularity. Some have also jokingly stated that by 2050, the “tramp stamp” will be renamed the “gramp stamp”.

Feliz dia de St. Valentine...Happy Valentine’s Day.   Valentines is traditionally the day to celebrate love. But I remember it in a different way.  It is my dog’s birthday. 

Several years ago, I was visiting some relatives in a rural town .  I had gotten up early and drove about 45 minutes from the large city where I was living.  It was a typical Saturday.  My plan was to return the same day.  My relatives lived on the outskirts of the small town, off of a dirt road. The old farm house set back from the road.   It is a quiet place with scruffy mesquite trees and an old barb wire fence. It was meant to keep the cows in but did little to restrict the big bogs that roamed free.  They would hear a passing car and chase it until it was over the next hill.   Then they would mosey back they way country dogs often due. The dog tongues would be hanging out, as they were trying to catch their breath.  They would wonder the property and explore until the sound of another approaching car.  There were five dogs in all. They were all different breeds, but large in size. 

I remember sitting at the kitchen table and looking at the cabinets.  There were smudged handprints on the painted doors.  The farm house was old and worn but still charming.  The walls were covered in family photos including the smiling faces of kids playing and grandparents who were no longer living.  I sipped on coffee while talking.  The visit was a good one.  I had mentioned how much I missed my dog Missy.  She had died a few months earlier. It was hard to see her suffer, so we had her put to sleep to end her pain. I remember how quiet the house was after that.  I always loved little dogs and Missy was the cutest Pomeranian.  She was champagne colored with big eyes and a fluffy tail.   
Then I heard a dog barking in the next room. My relatives told to me that there is a small dog that had been found.  It was a small Chihuahua.  A neighbor gave it to them. I asked to see it.  The door opened and in ran the cutest dog that jumped right in my lap. She was tan with big eyes and a tail that for some reason looked like it had been braided wet.  The fur on it looked wiry and crinkled.  It was love at first site.  That face was adorable.  She was a dog in need of a mama.  She was a skinny.  She had been kept in the house so the other dog would not hurt her.   “What’s her name?” I asked.  The family kids had been calling her “Whiskey. “ They had heard it in a country song. "Whiskey Girl" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Toby Keith. It was released in March 2004 as the third single from the album, Shock'n Y'all. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on in July 2004. The name fit. 

I took her home that day.  She was covered in fleas and was what I call “dog naked”....that is kind of a joke at my house.  A dog with out a collar is “naked”.  I bought Whiskey a red collar and used to paint her nails red to match. She quickly became part of my family.   She was young, not more than a few months old but I didn’t know where or when she was born.  So I set February 14th as her birthday.  She is the best dog I ever got for free.  She needed a home and my broken heart needed her. 

I have pictures of her wearing one of my rhinestone bracelets around her little neck.  She was that small.  And she would even let me put clip on earrings on her.  But they didn’t last long before she would shake them loose.  She became my baby.  She was once small enough to lay next to me in the recliner. Now she sits in my lap and still looks at me with her sweet innocent eyes.  She is so calm and quiet unless she hears a noise.  There have been times where I felt like the world was against me, but I had Whiskey to cheer me up.  I still talk to her about the people we miss.  I think she misses them too.  I tell her everyday that she is my ‘pretty puppy’.  Every girl needs to hear that even though we loose our looks and get older.  I hate to think of a day when I will have to say good bye to her.  I love that little dog.  

Happy Birthday my little Whiskey Girl!

Just a picture

I have more pictures to add. But I wanted to share this one.  Me and my friend Kelly.

My rules

I have made it an unspoken rule not to blog about:

1.   My current relationships

2.   Complain about my family dramas

3.   Attack anyone directly in anger.

 I could say a lot today in all three areas. But can’t.

Wed nite at Cherries

I went to see the Whitney Paige Show on Wednesday . There is new hot spot called Cherries. They have been open for a few months.  It is owned by a friend, Randy Norman.  I met Randy a few years ago when he was managing another club in Ft Worth.  Now he has a new business in Dallas. Cherries is off of the strip, but still close.  It is located at corner of Knight and Maple.  Randy is great guys who, unlike other managers, see the value and profits that come from drag shows.  Randy also has on staff dancers, shot boys, drag queens on stage and behind the bar and some of the best bartenders who are ready to serve your every beverage desire.  So far he has created a good club with big name performers and friendly customer service.  I hope that Randy’s Club Cherries success continues.  I enjoy having a place to unwind with out the big night club venue.  Cherrie’s is very friendly and more personal.  

I was very entertained on Wed night.  I was in the crowd, but not dressed in drag.  I was just Tomas, in jeans and a shirt, hoodie jacket and ball cap.  But still it was nice to see people who recognized me,iIncluding Whitney Paige.  She was there when I was crowned Miss Oklahoma USofA at Large 10 years ago in Tulsa.  Whitney still looks great and is always a crowd pleaser.  No matter if you like her or not, every queen should take a lesson from her about professionalism.  She is a true pro.  I see it as the key to her long success.  Whitney said hello to me, and joked  before the show.  She sat at the bar and conversed with everyone around her.  She was wearing a long pony tail and her makeup flawless. 

The  show started and included Whitney, Silkie Ohara, and Sassy.  Silkie is a beautiful black trans queen.  She is thin and tall.  I meet her a few years ago in For Worth.  We were both booked together.  She gave me a pair of shoes; she complained the heel was too short.   I guess she was used to walking in “skyscrapers” heels.  She was friendly in Fort Worth and was still lovely again this past Wednesday at cherries. Sassy is a trans queen, who I do not know personally, but she was very funny and a good entertainer on Wednesday night.  I loved her red fringe costume, although I though her lady boob might come out at every jiggle.  But she only had a flash of bra, no nipples showing.

I also saw other queens I know in the audience, Including Vega St. James and Josephine O’hara Edwards.  They are both two very talented black queens.  I met them both separately about 8 years ago.  I was living in Wichita Falls and they were both competing in state level pageants.  I met Josephine just before she won Miss Gay Texas America.  She was traveling the prelim circuit as entertainer because she had already placed at another prelim.  That is one of the advantages of entering early in the pageant season. You get to travel.   She was a great dancer, very elegant and a beautiful smile.  She loved wearing swing skirts and silver ballroom shoes.  She could spin with such grace.  She has undergone some changes since then.  She now lives a trans life. But she is still a friendly person with a big heart. I saw her last, about a year ago.  I was great to see her again.

Vega St James was very friendly on Wed.  She and I used to work shows at club "Illusions" back for they closed a few years ago.  I always enjoyed her illusions.  She would do the impersonations of Whitney Houston, Dion Warwick and Pattie Labelle.  During pageant season, she would always place in the top group.  I remember at one prelim pageant, Vega won.  She looked and performed like a class act. She wowed the judges with her solo Pattie Labelle talent. Each facial expression, and each word was lip-synched to perfection, in my opinion.  The runner up was not happy. She had props and flashy costumes and danced to a pop mix of music.  She could not understand why, she had not won.  I remember breaking it down for her.  Vega has Talent! 

I really enjoyed seeing some old friends.  They were so nice.  You never know who you will run into.  I’m glad I went.  There is talk about an upcoming pageant, and everyone is wondering if I’m entering.  All I will say at this point is....show up and find out. 

just two dollars

I have a trick hat I have learned over the years.  As a drag queen, I like going to shows too.   I use this trick and it works.  As you know, make up, hair and the costumes make you look very different.  Especially off stage.  You are just your regular self.   There are times when you are wearing a ball cap and jeans and no one recognizes you.  (That is not always a bad thing.)  But if you are at a show and no one seems to recognize that you are a “drag celebrity’. 

Here is what you do.

You take two dollars out of your pocket.  You fold each long ways.  You walk to the most well lit area around the stage.  Face as much toward the crowd as possible and … TIP the EMCEE.  What happens next will amaze you.  The emcee will approach you to get your money, and facial recognition will kick in....You will probably get a response like: “ Miss thing, I did not know you would be out here tonight? “ Smile.  You then tip her once, to get her attention.  Then tip her again with the remaining dollar.  She will love you for it!  It’s the second gesture that lets her know you really appreciate her.  As soon as the emcees performance is over, she will greet the audience. She will say “ladies and gentlemen, we have s special guest in the audience” .....that drag diva is... YOU!  Then She will call your name, and you can wave and smile to the audience as they applaud you…..and best of all, it only cost you…..two dollars.  Nothing like cheap publicity in a crowded gay bar.

Up coming events

FEB 2012

Feb 3  Reflections FW Show8pm

Feb 11. Cherries Dallas  Show7pm

Feb  18 Garlows Gun Barrel City Show10pm

Feb 25 Miss Tri-Cities prelim Garlows GBC  9pm

March 2012

Mar 3 Garlows Show GBC 10pm

Mar 10  *vendor booth* At Tulsa Cornonation

Mar 17 Miss Lady of the Lake Prelim Garlows 9pm

Mar 24 Garlows Anniversary Show GBC 9pm

Just an old family photo

I found this photo in some of my moms old stuff.  My sister had called needing my other sisters social secutiry number.  So I started digging.  This photo was taken in Campbell California about 1963.  My Grandparents Jose and Sally Castillo. Along with my Mom, Wendy, about age 12, along with my tias Cathy 9, and Alice age 4.  I am 99% certain that is this the same backyard that we played in upon visiting my Grandma when I was a kid.  I dont know who took the picture, but the note on the back is my mom's handwritting.  It says, ' Jose V. Castillo carried this picture in his wallet until his death in 1969.'
I just wanted to post it because it is  reminder of where I come from.  I have been missing my mom lately.  I usually miss her more when life is rough, and more when life is good.  I so wish I could share it with her.  I hope she would be proud of me. 

Back to Tulsa

I have been asked to return to Tulsa again this year. I will be selling dress and costume and meeting new faces there again.  The Coronation event will be March 10.   They were please with me last years and I have been invited back.  I knew about this a week ago but I wanted to wait to say until it was confirmed to say anything.  They usually have two of each type of vendor at these event.  You may see two Dress makers, or two jewelry people, or two wig stylists.  In fact the last sale I did in Dallas there were two Dress makers. The other was a nice girl, but my selection, and prices were not to be matched.  She did not do as good of a business as I did.  So I don’t think she will be returning.  I think she sold one dress.   I made a killing. So now I need to sew.  I have about a month, not to mention that February is a short month.  Plus I will get to see my family.  I will drive to Oklahoma City, stay with my sister. Then drive to Tulsa for the sale.  I will also return to OKC and probably go out.  Wish me luck as I prepare, I will have to plan and prepare.  Its not easy being a one man show.   Time to sew sew sew.

last minute judge

I was so happy to see some of my gown being worn at other pageants and events.  I was walking down the side walk in Oaklawn, the Dallas gay neighborhood.  I was on my way to meet some friends at bar there.  I was passing the window of another gay establishment that has shows on Sunday nights.  I looked inside; there on stage was one of my clients performing on stage wearing one of my show gowns.  I turned to my other friends and said, “wait, look…that is my gown” Yes I had made it for her and she was wearing it.  It is like seeing your self on TV….it is an odd feeling.  It was totally unexpected. 

The past Tuesday, I had to take a new dress to another friend.  She had requested something to wear, she was MC at a local bar pageant.  I completed the dress and took it with me when I attended the pageant.  I got there early.  The other girls were painting their faces with total concentration.  I was not in drag.  I just sat back and watched. This is something I never get to do. Usually that is because I’m in the show.  My friend loved the dresses.  She and I are about the same size, so there was no need for a final fitting.

The pageant was supposed to start at 11pm. But it did not start until almost midnight.  There were still entertainers coming in at 11:30.  It was crazy.  The whole time, I kept thinking, the owners of my pageant system would NEVER allow this.  Apparently, this pageant was not too closely monitored.  I was hanging around backstage, puffing on a Virginia Slim.  I was also conversing with my good friend, Kelexis Davenport.  She and I have been friends for several years.  She has had a successful career including several national titles.  I look up to her.  I also chatted with Iroc Octavia Goodness, Miss Texas USofA Classic.  She did not stay long, she had somewhere else to be.  She gave me a hug and departed.  The other entertainers just kept on applying makeup.

The show finally got started, late.  They were short one judge, so guess who was asked to fill in…you guessed it, ME!  I was thrilled. I am definitely qualified to judge.  I have held three state titles, competed at three national level competitions.  I am honest, fair and open.  Judging a bar pageant should be easy, except for one catch.  It was the Mexican gay bar.  The pageant was half in Spanish and half in English.  But still it was fun.   I love being involved with other bars and events. This was definitely not my crowd.  Plus it is good exposure for me and my current title.  Any publicity is good publicity. 

The entertainers were mostly performing Spanish songs, except two girls.   I really enjoyed the costumes.  It is defiantly a different style of performing drag.  The girls at the Mexican bar are almost always doing a character or impersonating a singer. They hardly invent their own persona.  In fact, they have drag names, but are usually introduced by the name of the person they are trying to be.  They do not perform a song as an interpretation; they mimic what the real singer is acting it out.  For instance, if the singer is known for a gold dress, they wear a gold dress and fashion their hair like the singer.  They would not wear a blue dress.  They also lip-sync into a fake microphone, as is they were truly singing the song live.  Some times it hides their mouths, because they don’t know all of the words.  I catch things like that.  They also practice movements, that the singer is known for doing.  In my drag world, impersonation is not as frequent.  I have a few illusions that I do, including, Cher and Tina.  I only do them on occasion.  They are not part of my usual repertoire.  I have been told they are pretty good, but have not ever felt comfortable enough to try them for a pageant.  There are girls who do these illusions for a living.  They are the standard.  I would feel like a Tina-impersonator-impersonator. 

The pageant ended with a winner.  All of the girls were good.  The winner was Tori Santiago Dupree.  She was a slender girl, with a figure to die for. She was very pretty.  I often see girls like her.  I always wonder if I will ever be one……I guess not.  The pageant was long and late, but it was good.  Maybe I will get dressed up and go out there sometime.  Mexican men love a face full of makeup and a sexy outfit.  wink.

Its been an intersting week.

It has been an intersting week to say the least.  I have hung out with friends, worked, helped another friend plann for a pageant, started sewing a sample costume for a girl. Had three phone calls from others regarding dress. I had anohte friend wanting to barrow a few things for a show and worked and worked and worked.  I tell you, I am the center of the universe right now.  We have our next prrlim pageant for Miss texas State at Large pageant in  about two weeks. I need to start getting my self ready. I will be the featured entertainer since I am the reigning Miss TX State at large.  I hope to work on my own stuff this weekend.  Plus My cousin is coming to town. We are supposed to go out on saturday night with a gourp of my friends. 

New projects

I wanted to share a couple of project I am working on for a friend in Dallas.  She is involved the International Gay Rodeo Circuit and locally in the Texas Gay Rodeo circuit.  She has some shows and events comig up and she is wanting a few new costumes. She has a few requirements.  For me this means listening carfully and then letting my mind and creativity take over.  She wantes western inspired, but fresh style.  She is also looking for a high neck. Many performers do not always shave their chest.  They must dress accordingly.She walso wants long sleeves.  She also loves fringe and stones.  She also ran down a list of colors.  The two that she seemed to most fond of were copper and black.  She also likes, orange and yellows or blues.  I once had a client who wanted nothing but red and black.  That was a challenge.  (Some people get stuck in the same rut. )
My friend seems to know exactly what she wants, or does not not want.  I have created a few scketches, and will start pairing fabrics.  I would like to do some nude fabrics to give the outfits a more reavling look, with out revealing anything, I will dress them up with trims and stones, cause I know every cowgirl wants to shine!

I have started writing, but have posted nothing.  I have five different subjects, all unfinsihed.  I dont know what going on in my head lately.