She So Funny

 

 

I’ve been in my own lock-down of sorts.  No cable, no internet, no landline.  Couldn’t see or answer emails or look on-line for gigs.  Couldn’t attend the poetry workshops I’m part of on Zoom.  Couldn’t post blogs.  No virtual auditions.  No television.  I realized how one could actually go crazy in solitary.  I was able to get incoming calls, thankfully.  Of course I can go outside; I’m not in jail.  But compared to having access to everything, it felt like just a taste of lock-down (without the hostile cellmates or spouses).

 

Then my buddy/brother-by-choice came to my rescue with an antenna that allowed me to get some television air channels.  Though I couldn’t see Wheel of Fortune (which is my favorite game show), it was a big relief to get any channels.  I hadn’t realized how dependent I am on TV.  Without it, I am at the mercy of my thoughts which I have to sometimes battle.

 

I then decided I’m going to get rid of cable, so my bill should be significantly less if I only have internet and landline.  I have to get my finances in better shape because right now I’ve been sinking.  My landlord (who has been patient with me) sold the building.  Now I have to get it right (paying rent at the beginning of the month).  Geez.  The new property manager called me and left a message about my March rent being late.  Lordy Lordy.  I returned her call and was relieved to get her voicemail.  I left a polite message including an apology.

 

I could have used this time productively, but I rarely did.  Sometimes, I made myself declutter (Goddess knows I need to).  I found things, including poems I had written, that I hadn’t seen in quite a while.  I also filled two bags with clutter to get rid of.  Those moments felt victorious.  But much of the time felt like I was just so cut off from so much.  

After falling behind on bills, it snowballed.  And it got harder and harder to get back on track.  I have spent the majority of my life living on the edge financially.  As long as I managed to scrape by, I didn’t let it bring me down.  I’ve lived through way worse than financial problems.  But now, it felt like I could lose my apartment.  I’ve lived here since I was 21 years old.  I cannot afford to live anywhere else in my city.  One room in someone’s house would cost more than my rent for this apartment.  I am entitled to more benefits than I have applied for, so I have to get on the ball.

 

Another long-time good friend/angel on Earth came to my rescue with a loan of a month’s rent.  She has always been an amazing human being.  Many Pre-K kids in Brooklyn were lucky to have her for their first teacher.

 

When I finally get my internet back, I’m going to have hundreds or thousands of emails to get through.  I look forward to seeing what I’ve been missing.

 

Now, for good news, I am in Paul Hallasy’s Eat Drink Laugh show on Saturday, April 5^th at 9pm at Pangea,  178 Second Avenue between 11^th and 12^th Streets, NYC.  $10 cover in advance; $15 cover at the door.  $20 minimum food/drink.  Food is excellent.  Laughter guaranteed!  I say this is a great event for a date  –  nothing better than eating, drinking, laughing, noticing what makes the other laugh (you learn a lot from that), and taking it from there.

https://cur8.com/23871/project/130494

 

UPDATE:  I'm back and got rid of 723 emails!

Hope to see you and hear you laughing on Saturday night.  It's always a good show.

 

 

Loads of love to CGG-M ❤❤❤

Mindy Matijasevic

March 2025

 

 

 

 

 

A Mustache Mystery & a Comedy Show

 

Four days after the incident in my last blog entry, Jose (the man who takes care of Mustache the cat) saw me in the deli.  I nodded to him, trying to keep our new status of ‘not enemies’ alive.  He came over, referred to me respectfully as Miss, and told me, as he struggled through English, that Mustache left and hasn’t been back for a whole day.  He told me that he saw on the camera where she headed, but she didn’t return.  He said that in the past year, she once left for two days and did return.  That felt hopeful. 

Mustache is very smart and skillful.  She’s an indoor/outdoor cat.  For years, she has navigated the world outside – people, dogs, other cats, cars, weather, etc. – and always knew when to wait by the door of the store until someone opened it and she’d run inside.  A real survivor.  I’m remaining hopeful. 

 

Those of you who know and those of you who want to find out how hilarious women comics can be, come to my Almost Spring Comedy Show at The Artist, 249 City Island Avenue, on Friday, March 14th at 8pm (7:50 for seating of your choice).  In honor of Women’s History Month, the wonderful comics are:

Lisa Harmon

 

Linda Marcus Smith

 

Rachael Parenta

 

And me, Mindy Matijasevic

 

      I hope so much you get there, enjoy the island and the comedy.  You may get your tickets in advance or pay at the show.

Almost Spring Comedy Show

 

UPDATE: Mustache returned after two days and nights.  Thank God/dess.  Jose said that Mustache came back all dirty.  Where she’d been remains a mystery.  

 

Constant love to CGG-M ❤ ❤ ❤

Mindy Matijasevic

March 10, 2025

 

 

 

Those of you who are regular readers know I have a strong friendship with Mustache who lives in a nearby discount store. 

 

Well tonight (Monday), I went out at about 9:30 to go to a couple of stores.  From up the block, I saw a cat outside of that discount store trying to get in, but the gate was down and the store was closed.  The markings looked like Mustache, but in the street, she looked smaller than how she looks in the store.  As I got closer, I saw it was her.  She was meowing to me as if I could get her inside. 

I wondered if I should take her home for the night.  It felt cold out there.  But she’s not a house cat as much as she’s a 198^th Street cat.  As much as she loves me, I don’t feel sure she’d let me carry her for a few blocks.  Then it occurred to me to go into the 24-hour deli and see if they could do anything.  It’s one family that runs both stores, and I thought they may have the keys and be able to solve this.  I went in and told the man behind the counter that Mustache the cat was locked out of the store across the street.  He asked if she was outside the store right now.  I told him yes and that she was meowing for help.  He yelled, “Jose!” and I felt so relieved. 

Jose is the man who feeds her and deals with her physical needs.  He’s also the man who once made enemies with me some years ago (I think for loving the cat – go figure).  Apparently tonight, after locking up, he went to the deli.  But when he heard that Mustache was locked out of the store, he hurried to fix that.  I told him that I was going with him so she knows I got help.  He told me she’s done this twice before.  He unlocked the gate and lifted it up.  I petted her.  I told Jose that I was glad he was still here.  Jose thanked me sincerely.  Maybe he realized that other people loving his cat is not a bad thing.  I think that moment may have changed our status from enemies to not enemies.

Whether it is God, Goddess, the Universe, or something else, I am so glad I was out there when I was.

Now, March 14^th at 8pm is my Almost Spring Comedy Show at The Artist, 249 City Island Avenue.  Only $15 cover and NO minimum.  You may even BYOB!  There is a menu of light fare and delicious desserts available for purchase -- quite tempting but not required.  For Women's History Month, it is an all-female line-up.  Lisa Harmon, Linda Marcus Smith, Rachael Parenta, and me!  Laughter guaranteed.

City Island is a lovely village-like atmosphere, filled with seafood restaurants and other options as well.  Spend the day, enjoy the shops, the foods, and then come to The Artist by 8pm for comedy and dessert.

Hope to see you there and hear you laughing.

 

 

 

Huge love to CGG-M  ❤ 💕 ❤

Mindy Matijasevic

March 4, 2025

 

 

 

Hello everyone.  If you’d enjoy an evening of poetry, song, and an open mic, come on over to the Green Pavilion in Brooklyn on Wednesday, February 26^th at 7pm.  4307 18th Avenue Sign up for the open mic if you’d like to share a poem, short prose, song, dance, or a short comedy set.  This is a very long-running, successful reading series produced and curated by Evie Ivy, poet, belly dancer, good human being.

 

I, along with poets Evelyn Katz and Sylvia Rivera and singer/musician Peter Vecchio will be featuring.  And YOU (if you desire) at the open mic.  Sure to be a good evening!

 

F train to 18th Avenue, last car, right staircase out, about 1/2 block from the corner you will be standing on.  $6.50 min. food purchase, inexpensive, varied menu. $4 suggested donation to reading.  

 

 

Now, my comedy fans, mark your calendars for Friday, 3/14/2025 @ 8pm.  My Almost Spring Comedy Show will be at The Artist, 249 City Island Avenue in the Bronx.  (#6 train to Pelham Bay and then the #29 bus to City Island.)  Here is the hilarious line-up:

 

Rachael Parenta

 

Lisa Harmon

 

Linda Marcus Smith

 

And me, of course! 

 

Unlike many comedy shows, it is only $15 cover and NO minimum.  You may even BYOB.  Friendly staff will provide corkscrew, glass, ice, whatever.  A menu of light fare and delicious desserts* is available and tempting but not required.  Laughter is guaranteed!!!

 

 *Jenny’s Sweets https://www.facebook.com/JennysSweetsSA

 

So much love to CGG-M  ❤💕❤

Mindy Matijasevic

February 2025

 

 

 

 

When I get my azz out there to perform, I feel so good from it.  Last week, at the AITB – Art in the Basin event at Mon Amour Coffee and Wine, I had a great time.  A poet I enjoy, Heather Archibald, was a feature, and I was asked to perform comedy as the other feature.  Additionally there was an open mic. 

Time was tight, so I ended up doing a shorter set than I was prepared to do.  That was fine with me.  I prefer being over-prepared.  It’s a hybrid event, so some of the audience is Zooming in on-line while others are right there in person.  

I was happy to be videotaped, but disappointed that the video didn’t pick up the audience reactions.  There was laughter throughout, and there was one attendee who had something to shout out a few times during my set.  One example:  When, toward the end of a bit about ‘no balls,’ I said that I like the way my jeans fit, he yelled out, “I like the way your jeans fit too.”  It all became part of everything, but when I watched the video, my voice was the only one heard.  Video aside, I had a great experience. 

I feel fortunate to have become to know Tim W. Brown and Amy Joy Robateau, who are such welcoming and supportive hosts and contribute loving vibes to the community.  God/dess knows, we need it.  I believe Ron Marc Trenkler-Thomson (Bronx Art & Fun Hub  https://www.facebook.com/bxafh) had something to do with the connection happening, then further supported by John A. Todras (half of the Elegant Ivory Duo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrHqQhJkUvs) – both extremely supportive people.

From left to right:  Tim W. Brown, me, Amy Joy Robateau, and Heather Archibald.

I had my annual lung scan yesterday.  That was the easy part.  On 2/21, I have to meet with the doctor to discuss the results.  THAT’S the hard part.  My buddy is taking me and will be with me.  I want to be on this Earth for many more years.  I finally got it more together than I had for so long, but health issues give me SOOOO much anxiety. 

Onto happier things – on Wednesday, February 26^th, I’ll be featuring as a poet at Evie Ivy’s reading series at the Green Pavilion, 4307 18^th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY (F train to 18^th Avenue station, then a 2-minute walk).  Reasonable prices, well attended, and typically a very satisfying evening.  Evie is a warm and welcoming host.  Sign up for the open mic if you’d like to share something.  It’s a supportive audience.

By the way, if you are looking for a unique and unisex gift, and if this applies, contact me.

 

 

Mark your calendar for March 14, 2025, at 8pm for comedy at The Artist on City Island!  Only $15 cover and NO minimum!  You may even BYOB!  More details in the next blog.

Shout out to Jaye for warming my heart with a Valentine card.  This person has been a bright light in my life since I met her some years ago.  She lifts my spirits with each contact.  It seems amazing to me that whenever I’m thinking of her strongly, I hear from her the next day or two.  I feel like I pick up on her energy or she on mine. 

 

Constant love to CGG-M  ❤💕❤

Mindy Matijasevic

February 2025

 

 

Hi people.  The Eat Drink Laugh show at Pangea two Fridays ago was great.  We performed for an almost full house which was wonderful.  It had me buzzing for a few days following the show.

 

 

Next Tuesday, February 4^th from 7-8pm, Art in the Basin is having an event at Mon Amour Coffee and Wine, 234 West 238 Street (off Broadway in the Bronx).  It is FREE.  The venue appreciates your purchase of food or drink.  Heather Archibald will share her poetry.  I will be doing stand-up comedy.

https://www.facebook.com/artinthebasin

 

On Thursday, February 6^th at 8:30pm, I’ll be performing comedy in Randy Epley’s Comedy Dungeon Show at Kama Central Park Hostel, 36 West 106 Street in the lounge.  It is FREE and you may BYOB.  (B or C train to 103 Street)

 

        I just wanted you to know of upcoming things.  I’m ending here for now.  

 

 

Love to CGG-M  ❤ ❤ ❤

Mindy Matijasevic

February 2025