speaking walking the talk to tsunset strip and beyond

With some extra helpings of work and a few extra jobs on top of my regularly scheduled program, I have not been writing in my inkwell as much as I like to. This does not mean that I haven't been a busy bee speaking, writing and planning two fundraisers.

Here's a quick update - more to come.

SPEAKING:
October 11th: The Junior League of Los Angeles @ the Rainey House in Larchmont Village. For more information, please visit http://www.jlla.org/

November 20th: In The Flesh series at Hustler in Hollywood. More info at http://inthefleshreadingseriesla.blogspot.com/

UCLA: November TBA.

EVENTS:

I am co-producing two events with Carly Milne on Valentine's Day and April 09. More details TBD.

Past notes:

In September I was on set with Christina Ricci and Cheryl Burke for RAINN's new PSAs. They look fantastic! The videos should go live shortly

In progress:

I am plugging away at my screenplay. Please send good writing vibes my way.

What's Happening Wednesdays: Streetside Storytellers @ The M Bar, H'wood

My post college career path was in the music industry so any benefit or fundraiser involving music strikes a nostalgic and familiar chord with me. Remember I'm the survivor that decided to produce a benefit a few days before the trial in NY. From LA. Um, yeah. Diversion, yup! Raise money for a good cause? Indeed.

This Saturday night I will be speaking and educating the Streetside Storytellers' audience at The M Bar in Hollywood. The Streetside Storytellers are a diverse group of acoustic musicians ranging from folk to rock who will be sharing the stage in a round robin performance. The storytellers enjoy having non-profits present so I will enjoy being there!

25% of the night's proceeds will be donated to RAINN , the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the country that, in 1996, helped me find another version of me and in the past year, have literally rocked my world with their wonderous innovative work on a national level, their steadfast dedication to breaking LA's third wall, and the humor and incredible support I receive from the people who make it all happen. They amaze me.

If you are East of the 405 this Saturday, stop by and say "hi". There's nothing quite like talking in front of a lively crowd that came to hear music. That element of surprise, the moment when people realize that survivors laugh, tell jokes, listen to music and enjoy life. We even stay out past midnight. Shocking, I know.

WHERE: The M Bar
WHEN: Saturday, May 24th @ 10pm
ADDRESS: 1253 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90038. (323) 856-0036

Speaking of rain...

Photograph by Alan J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times

Storm watch 2008! Rain Storms Invade the Southland! People stocking up on canned goods and charging their flashlights. Ok, it has been raining pretty steadily here in LA, and the drainage system leaves a lot to be desired. However, this rain is much needed, and as the sounds make pretty tin noises outside my window, like someone tinkering with their invention, it reminded me of another RAINN that is always much needed.

As part of RAINN's (Rape and Incest National Network)Speaker's Bureau, we were reminded us that April, National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention month, will soon be upon us. Here's how you can get involved:

*Recruit or Be A Volunteer: Recruit or become a volunteer for your local rape crisis center or the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.:
You can help RAINN and local centers find volunteers to provide much-needed support to victims of sexual assault and their friends and family members. Visit http://www.rainn.org/ohlvolunteer/process for more details.

I chose the above photo because Angelenos get a bad rap for never leaving the house when it rains.
There are many who will, rain or shine, brave the weather and ride the wave. That's what we try to do.
Let it rain.