If You Are Reading This, You Survived Christmas

I am grateful to those who made my birthday special.  Thank you to Jessica and David for taking me out to dinner the night before my birthday.  Delicious Thai food and a glass of wine.  So yummy.

The day of my birthday was paperwork day at my job, so I was able to go 

in later.  When I arrived, there was a gift on my desk from Mindy Levokove and a birthday bottle of wine from Frida.  Then in the back room, there was much food. 

That evening, though two friends wanted to be with me, I asked if we 

could do it the next evening because I was still working on the slice of memoir I would be sharing in a show the next night – “What Were the ‘60s Really Like?” 

The show was really good, and I was proud of my contribution.  My creative process seems to include driving myself crazy, high stress, painting myself into a corner.  And somehow, I birth a piece of writing I like.  Whew.

So Judy and Bob came to the show at Cornelia Street Café the evening 

after my birthday.  Afterwards, we went out to celebrate my birthday.  I didn’t have to get up early the next day.  That is another gift.  Judy gave me a book that seems quite unique and interesting.  The card came with a picture frame.  Very unique and pretty.  Bob gave me a toaster oven! 

The next day was my son’s birthday.  I went over to where he is living with his father and delivered a gift and expressions of my love.  It was cold and raining.  So grateful that Bob and Illona did me the favor of driving me there and back.  Otherwise it would be 4 buses round-trip.

I’m not in financial shape to celebrate the other holidays much.  I hung a decoration on my door that I made last year with pine cones, glitter, and ribbon.  I plugged in some lights that I had never taken down from the window since last year.  I guess you can assume I won’t be winning any good housekeeping award.

If you would like to check out things I am doing and come surprise me:

• ·        Friday, 1/12/2018  8pm Twisted Lipstick Comedy Show at Sir D’s Lounge, Brooklyn, NY Tickets are cheaper in advance, so click here for all the info https://www.facebook.com/events/1587560694616338/

• ·        Thursday, 1/18/2018  8:30pm Funny Underground Comedy Krew at Broadway Comedy Club, NYC

• ·        Friday, 1/26/2018  6pm 4 Horse Poetry Reading at Cornelia Street Café, NYC  $10 includes a drink 

• ·        Friday, 2/2/2018  6pm Laughin’ Matterz TV at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, NYC

• ·        Saturday, 2/17/2018  8pm Days of Wild at Starving Artist Café on City Island, Bronx, NY  This is a magnificent music show where I will be doing a comedy set during a music break.  No cover; $10 food minimum (delicious food)

https://www.facebook.com/elliott.glick.9/videos/vb.764678517/10155915362028518/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab

Have a safe new year's, people.  Hope to tickle you in 2018!

Hookers, Hectic Knife, Happenings, and Holidays

As an actress, I've played a "hooker" in a few films.  Before you get all excited, I am not a hooker; I just play one in some films.  These are not porn films, just stories where a character (or several) is a hooker.  When I was asked to be in Hectic Knife, I was glad because it was a paid acting gig and I worked with nice people.  The most uncomfortable thing I had to do was wear high heels.  The film is getting attention which is encouraging.  Below is a short teaser where I appear twice for a few seconds.  The only hooker-ish thing I'm doing is standing outside and trying to make some a-hole feel like I'm impressed with him.  One doesn't have to be a hooker to have had that experience.

This Friday, December 22, 2017 (the day after my birthday) at 6pm, I will be part of a happening at Cornelia Street Cafe on Cornelia Street in the Village.  Only $10 which includes a drink.  It is the final episode of a series of shows called, "What Were the '60s Really Like?" produced by Kathryn Adisman.  I'll be sharing a slice of memoir.  Come experience poetry, prose, and songs from that time.  If you want to make it a dinner date, the food is very good.

https://www.iloveny.com/event/what-were-the-60s-really-like%3f-winter-solstice-extravaganza/41987/

Hanukkah is over.  Enjoy Christmas if you celebrate.  Be safe.

Good Stuff in the Midst

It's been a challenging couple of weeks -- internally and externally.  However, in the midst of it all, good things go on as well.  Thank God.  

I am newly in the role of being on a professional development committee.  The committee consists of three.  We were all coming from different places.  However, we knew how to share.  Together, we conducted a successful professional development session that teachers enjoyed (not just tolerated for the two hours of pay).  There was something for everyone (that includes reading and writing teachers, math teachers, and ESOL teachers).  Teachers left with smiles and thanking us.  I love when my students leave class that way, and I was happy that teachers left that way as well, feeling nourished in some way(s).  I felt proud of myself and the committee and how we functioned without necessarily being like-minded on every point.  In the end, we all felt pleased.  

I took my class and myself on a guided tour of the current exhibit at the Lehman College Art Gallery.  It is free and such a treat.  

The woman who gave the tour was very informed and passionate, so it was great.  The gallery tends to have exhibits that are really exciting.  I know most of my students have never had such an experience, so it's exciting to see their reactions.  And for myself, if it weren't for class trips, there are many places I may have not gotten to yet.  I felt that way as a parent as well.  My son and I went to many places that I may not have gotten to otherwise.  That includes Radio City Music Hall.  My son and I saw Pokemon Live.

Anyone who might feel enticed by this, I will be part of this wonderful happening.  (Not a comedy show.)  I will read a slice of memoir.  There will be poets, prose writers, songwriters, musical segues, and good vibes all around.  This will take place at the Cornelia Street Cafe on Cornelia Street in the Village on 12/22/2017 at 6pm.  Train to West 4th Street, and you are around the corner from the place.  $10 includes a drink.  Great food if you are having dinner.  It will be the night after my birthday.  

Produced by Kathryn Adisman; hosted by Ellen Mandel;  poster above by Su Polo.

"Bronx Tales"

I was part of Lehman Stages’ “Bronx Tales” at the Lovinger Theatre for

the second consecutive year.  It is an evening of true Bronx stories and is directed by Dante Albertie.  It is an enriching experience for me, and so good for my spirit.  They want the real deal, and they don’t restrict me.  They help me come out with my stories.  Last year, my story was mainly about the first time I saw a grown man’s penis.  This year, my story was about my buddy and I being stopped by the police.  Dante does his job very well.  He knows how to direct us to develop our stories.  The storytellers are very varied – the people and their stories. 

This year, a couple of my co-workers brought their evening students.  

Many of the students (who are adults) know me because I have subbed for their classes when their teacher had to be out.  Many call me ‘Miss Mindy’ though I always tell them they can call me Mindy.  Now they were going to see ‘Miss Mindy’ speak very unteacherly and grab her crotch.  This is an example of worlds colliding. 

“I didn’t think you had it in you because you’re a teacher,” one man told me after the show.  “You taught our class when our teacher was out.  Remember?”

“Oh, I remember.  I was very nervous tonight that people who call me 'Miss Mindy’ were going to see me grab my crotch.”

We both laughed.

When the video is out, I’ll share it.  Meanwhile, I love that my friend 

Mindy Levokove took these photos at the end of the show.

Mindy Matijasevic, Geevanesam Sharun Devakanmalai,  Skaly Cornielle, Jonathan Berenguer, Jose Roldan Jr.

Future happenings:

Friday, December 22, 2017 -- "What Were the Sixties Really Like?" at Cornelia Street Cafe, Greenwich Village.  6pm  (I'll be reading a slice of memoir.)  $10 includes a drink.

Friday, January 12, 2018 -- Twisted Lipstick at Sir D's Lounge, 837 Union Street, Brooklyn; Doors Open 7pm; Showtime 8pm; Investment $10 Online, $15 @Door, 2 Item Minimum  (I'll be doing a 12-minute comedy set.)

Some Days Are Like This

Saturday morning.  Slept late.  Needed those

hours of healing.  Early afternoon, step out to get my two-dollar breakfast at my favorite Arab bodega.  Four police vehicles are in front of my building.  Two are vans.  I guess I’m not the most miserable person in the building.  When I return with my coffee and piece of pound cake, the cops – some plain-clothed, some in uniform – are going in and out of the building.  Three neighbors out front, one of whom speaks English, are talking in Spanish.  I ask the one who understands me what happened.  “I don’t know,” he says, “I just got here.”

I go home to my own troubles.  Can’t say I’m not curious about what’s going on though.  I don’t wish tragedy on anyone, however, I have to admit that I’m grateful this one isn’t mine.

In my life, I’d been bullied, and I’d been mugged more than once.  Though

it felt terrifying, they were strangers and it wasn’t personal.  But when an ex prefers me dead rather than alive and free, that hurts way worse.  Especially when it is voiced through his sons who had no reason of their own to feel that way.  Their father had emailed me shortly after we parted that he was lucky to have been loved by the most humane person he ever knew.  His sons don’t know that; they are the carriers of his rage.  I don’t think they know that either. 

Betrayal by those I have given years of time, energy, and deep love to is 

why I stay out of relationships (of the romantic kind) now.  I’m not saying I’m never tempted, but it just doesn’t seem worth it.  Too risky.  I need my energy (whatever’s left).  And I’d like to live (“selfish bitch” that I am).

After having my breakfast, I take out two bags of garbage which means 

having to go outside and into the alley (a place I was firmly warned to stay out of all through growing up).  The police vehicles are gone.  No neighbors outside.  I don’t know what the scene was all about.  Maybe, today, I am better off not knowing.  Some days are like this.

11/4/2017

Mindy's Corner of the World

So what’s happening?  Aside from a pay cut across the board at my job? 

• ·        This Saturday, October 28^th, 8ish, Starving Artist Café on City Island, I’ll be doing a comedy set in between the marvelous music of Days of Wild, a Papa Guyo production.  Good food and desserts!
• 
  
• ·        Sunday, October 29^th, 7:30, Broadway Comedy Club, Funny Underground Comedy Krew.  Produced by Aaron L. Smith.  
• 
  
  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funny-underground-comedy-krew-in-memory-of-ethany-spooner-tickets-37711619469
  
  
  The Rundown
  $10 online
  $15 at the door
  2 Drink Minimum
  
  
  The lineup
  Gregory W. Hall
  Latice Klappa
  Aaron L. Smith
  Luis Vasquez
  
  
  Hosted By: Mindy Matijasevic
• 
  
• ·        Thursday, November 16^th, 7pm, Lehman Stages, Lehman College.  Bronx Tales – an evening of true stories told, not read.  Stories are in the range from sad to amusing.  All very meaningful.  A Dante Albertie production.
• 
  
• ·        Friday, December 22^nd, 6pm, Cornelia Street Café, What Were the Sixties Really Like? -- a Kathryn Adisman production.  I'll probably share a slice of memoir.
• 
  
• ·        Friday, January 12^th, 8pm, Sir D’s Lounge, Brooklyn. Twisted Lipstick Comedy Show, a Mutiya Vision production.  

Other than that, muchos problemas, but it may all be part of life’s 

process.  I try to continue to have faith in the power of good.  There are indeed some angels in my life.  I also need more income to remain hanging onto the hamster wheel, so if you or anyone you know needs a freelance proofreader, I have lots of experience.   I've been told I am very good at it.  I can sit still for portrait painters.  I have much experience doing that too.  Of course, paid acting roles and comedy spots are very welcome!

A sample of my comedic acting:

Impact by Rhonda Hansome

 It was a dark fall night on Rt. 715 in Reeders PA. 

I figured I'd missed the volunteer firehouse where I was hired to perform at a fundraiser.
I pulled into a yard to maneuver.
While poised in the driveway to make a left turn I was hit and projected parallel to the lawn.

Yes, pretty scary and I was really shaken up.

No one saw the impact, but everyone who heard it appeared and sprang into concerned action.

Though roughed up and shaking, thank goodness, I walked away.

Oddly enough, I performed at the firehouse fundraiser and KILLED!

What's so funny?

Could it be that because I'd been blocked in by a Taco Truck, at my parking lot and unable to drive to my late night spot at Broadway Comedy Club...
I didn't have to pay $200.00 parking this month?
Sad, true and funny in a WTF kind of way.

But what continues to make me smile, shake my head and chuckle?
My involuntary reaction to the state trooper who asked for my license, insurance and registration.
Arousal. That's right. Arousal. 

One minute I thought I'd breathed my last breath.
Then a young state trooper looked at me.

Flesh shouts what mouth won't speak
Perfume rushing in a dry river bed
Antique glistening unseen
In moonlight
Concedes
To body betrayed

I rode in a fire truck for the 1st time that night, grateful to be alive.

Rhonda Hansome is a actress, director, comedian and story teller.

Rhonda can be heard every Monday 2-5 PM on John Fugelsan's
Tell Me Everything on Sirius XM ch 121.

Hear her true life story and celebrate reproductive rights Nov. 6th:

Full Exposure

She performs with The Tribeca Performing Arts Center Writers In Performance Lab Dec. 1 and 2 at Tribeca PAC.

Follow Rhonda on facebook, Twitter, IG and in your dreams.

Once Again, I Am Being Tested For My Own Good

Oh my God, Bob Quatrone’s 4 Horse poetry reading was a great event.  Independently it was also special for me.  I sometimes get roaring laughter from a poetry audience since there’s no expectation to be funny, so when it is, the laughter is big, and that happened more than once.  The owner of the place heard my reading and seemed impressed.  The host told me I scare him.  LOL  I left on a natural high.  The attentive and spirited 4 Horse audience is amazing.  They appreciate my frankness more than any other area of my life does except for my best friend.  He and I appreciate each other’s realness a whole lot. 

In most other areas of life, I walk on thin ice.  But life is short, and I’m not going to waste it on phony crap. 

A co-worker friend attended the reading, arrived before me, and held a seat for me with his jacket.  It was fun to experience the reading with him.  That really added to the thrill of the event for me.  We tend to like the same kind of writing.

The experience was truly good for my spirit when writers whose work I love enjoy my writing as well.  Thank you for your support, Ron Kolm and Francine Witte.

Then the next morning, I had breakfast with my best buddy.  That is always wonderful.  Medicine for my soul.

Maybe all of that contributed to this.  I actually skipped take-out and went to the supermarket instead.  I bought food and cooked that evening.  

My apartment smelled of chicken baking in a regular oven.  It was a welcome change from what my apartment often smells like – cigarettes and other non-food items.  

And speaking of functioning, the next day, I did my laundry before going to a prose writing group I had been invited to be a part of.  I need a group that expects me to produce writing, but this may not be that group.  It is a small group – kept small deliberately.  It is just one woman who made it somewhat unpleasant.  I don’t know how much this can get better because I don’t think she can help herself.  I’ve learned a lot about the narcissistic personality disorder since my divorce war.  A recovery group has helped me significantly.  I’ll probably give the writing group another shot before I decide.  It is the difficult person who invited me to this small group after she heard me read a slice of memoir.  I had felt good about that, but now I have a feeling that this is yet another opportunity I’ve been presented with by the universe to see if I’ve grown.

Comics Need Poetry Too

This Friday evening, I’ll be part of a poetry reading.  The line-up is quite talented.  The ten bucks admission includes a drink.  So if you are tempted, curious, open, come on over.  It ends at 8, and you will have the rest of your night free to do whatever you do.

4 HORSE 31 READING AT CORNELIA ST. CAFÉ OCT 13, 2017  6-8 PM

GEORGE WALLACE

RON KOLM

HILLARY KEEL

RONNIE NORPEL

 DEMETRIUS DANIEL

            MINDY MATIJASEVIC

LINDA LERNER

BOB HEMAN

EVIE IVY

EVE PACKER

FRANCINE WITTE

DAVID ELSASSER

ROBERT GIBBONS

BOB QUATRONE, HOST

ADMISSION $10 (includes one drink)

CORNELIA ST. CAFE

29 CORNELIA ST.  NYC

        212 989 0319

4 HORSE POETS

FOUNDED AFTER 9/11

A Brief Unfunny One...

Feeling challenged and re-traumatized, I went to a friend.  Before I could say anything, she looked at my face and asked, “Whose ass do I have to kick?”

My heart immediately felt lighter. 

This is why I feel God hasn’t forgotten me.  I believe God

places gifts in my path.  What I do with the gift is on me.

Some challenges, upon further reflection, are blessings in deep disguise.  It takes a while to see it.

I continue to ask God to protect my loved ones.  I continue to be grateful.

"Days of Wild" and then some!

This past Saturday, I performed my stand-up at Papa Guyo Guyocious’ “Days of Wild” show at the Starving Artist Café on City Island.  It was very uplifting to be part of the evening.  What amazing talent doing all of my favorite Sly and the Family Stone songs.


Click here for A sample of the evening!

I did stand-up during the music break.  The audience, for the most part, was with me, and, of course, that felt great.  Plus Papa Guyo is behind me on the stage sitting at his drums.  When he finds something funny, he just laughs and says aloud, “I love Mindy.”  Support right there on the stage.  Not your comedy club comedy show.  Not at all.  No being given “the light.” I generally do not hog the stage.  I like to leave the audience wanting more.  He had told me it was for the musicians’ break, so I planned about ten to twelve minutes.  That seemed to work for everyone.

I had a friendly heckler who I know from the place, so when he disagreed aloud with something I said, I smiled.  Then I told him he was part of the problem.  Later in my routine, I named him where it was appropriate, and that turned out to be funny.  Later, outside the place, he told me how much he enjoyed it.

As I was doing my set, I looked at the audience, not all of whom I was previously able to see from my seat, and I saw the face of someone who was once a sort of comedy pal until he revealed himself as an active enemy.  He had made my ex look like at least bronze (not gold, let’s not get crazy).  I had wanted this comedy guy and I to achieve peace as I always figured our paths would cross again and again.  He didn’t want peace.  He wanted/needed to be in battle.  His ex would probably love my comedy.  His and my paths do cross.  It’s, at least, awkward.  He was never able to own his shit and apologize, so it remains not quite neutral.  For me, I feel good to see my own growth in accepting that something is a reality (whether I like it or not) and staying more centered.  It serves me well at jobs and everywhere else in my life where narcissists may lurk.

When I stepped out for a cigarette, a man from the audience came outside and told me I was very funny and asked if I would clean it up for television and did I want to be on Jimmy Kimmel's show.  He claimed Dennis Leary is his cousin.  Maybe all that is true, but I once saw this guy at the place chasing a possibility to get laid.  The woman he was drooling after had two small children who wanted to go home and not watch this man try to get with mommy.  Plus she had a small dog with her who wouldn't stop barking at him.  They were at an outside table and came in and out of the place.  I found it so disturbing because she looked very depressed, her children were whining, her dog was barking, and this guy went after her seeming only to care about his mission to get laid.  I remember leaning over to my friend and saying, "I wish she'd listen to her dog."  So whether he is Dennis Leary's cousin or not, whether he has pull with the Jimmy Kimmel show or not, my instinct was watch out.  I gave him my card at the end of the evening, and he said he would make a call to somebody.  Every vibe from me said, "I'm penis-free."  I'll let you readers know what happens, if anything.  I won't hold my breath nor will I pay a pussy tax.

If you want to catch me on stage -- whether for comedy, poetry, or prose – and you prefer to plan in advance, here’s what’s going on so far. 

·        Friday, Sept. 29^th 8pm, Open Mic Night (for all talents) at Starving Artist Café on City Island.  Free to enter and participate.  $10 minimum on food & beverages.  The food is good.  I will do something, probably comedy.

·        Friday, Oct. 13^th 6pm, Cornelia Street Café (downstairs), Greenwich Village, NYC.  The 4 Horse Reading Series curated by Bob Quatrone.  $10 includes a drink!  I’ll be reading poetry.

·        Sunday, Oct. 29^th 7:30pm, F.U.C.K. (Funny Underground Comedy Krew) show at Broadway Comedy Club.  Produced by Aaron Smith.  It’s a fundraiser for a young man whose mom passed.  $10 on line; $15 at the door.  I’m hosting.

·        Friday, December 22^nd 6pm, Cornelia Street Café (downstairs), Greenwich Village, NYC.  What Were the Sixties Really Like?  $10 includes a drink!  I’ll probably share a short memoir piece.

·        Friday, Jan. 12^th 8pm, Sir D’s Lounge, 837 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY.  Twisted Lipstick Comedy Show.  $10.  I’m doing a 12-minute comedy set.

I’ll keep you updated as things get added or change.  Glad to be back on my Tuesday schedule with all you She So Funny readers.  I truly appreciate your interest and time.