AUNT DOTTIE'S SING-ALONG CABARET

YOU MAY SAY I’M A DREAMER . . .

2012-01-14T10:13:00.001-08:00

. . . but I’m not the only one. I dream of a day when positive entertainment can CHANGE the world for the better! That’s my goal: to infect the world with peace, love & rock n’ roll!!

I was just thinking about the nature of entertainment and the proliferation (lookit that big word; thank you word-a-day calendar!) of “reality” television shows. So many of them just glorify people disagreeing and competing in ways that bring out the worst in human behavior. That makes my heart hurt.

They say, “you are what you eat”. You’re also what you watch. What are you filling your days with? Good, positive things? I hope so!!

I love you, my friends.

GOOD DAY, SUNSHINE

2012-01-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

It has been such a lovely Winter in the Pacific NW and today was no exception. Clear, sunny & COLD! I'm excited because I'm going to hostess the Rainier Ballet Academy Winter Dance recital on Saturday, January 21st! What fun.

It is so fun to see all those little dancers! They are so fun to watch!

Nephew Aaron and I have added some more shows to our calendar and we're excited about that! I hope you can join us for at least one show this year! Doesn't everybody need a little peace, love & rock n' roll in their lives??

I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful things in my life! I hope that your year has started off well and that 2012 brings you MANY amazing things!

ANOTHER AULD LANG SYNE

2011-12-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

As 2011 winds down, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what an amazing year it has been! So many new friends made! I feel so blessed as I watch my Facebook friends list grow and am so happy to know all of you!

I was blessed and honored to hostess Rainier Ballet Academy's dance recitals. I also had fun with a Wizards of the Coast company event; plus sang at a couple private parties. Nephew Aaron and I took a trip back to the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park, FL and then travelled to Cle Elum to perform at the Vogue Theatre! What excitement. In November we celebrated our 3rd anniversary of performing together AND on December 19th, we performed our 50th show together!

I hope YOUR was full of wonder and amazement! Now, onward and upward! Nephew Aaron and I have big plans for 2012. We plan on doing 50 SHOWS this year! We want to perform in 3 new states! As always, we'll apply for Bumbershoot. We're hoping to take part in Renton River Days and also leave ourselves open to new opportunities that come our way!

So, come along for the ride! We'd love to see you! I know our calendar says that our next show is in May, but I'm certain that will change quickly -or calendar seems to always fill up! We love you! Happy New Year!!

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

2011-12-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

Nephew Aaron and I have been having so much fun ALREADY this holiday season! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I like watching the kids visiting Santa at the mall! Some are so excited. Some are tentative. Some are screaming like crazy! Isn't that funny? I think those kids visiting Santa are just a little snapshot of the way different people act in real life when presented with something magical and wondrous and maybe a little scary, right??!!

As we join family and friends this holiday season; I hope you'll jump right in there and accept the wondrous things around you!!

We've already been out and about, singing Christmas tunes and are VERY excited for this Sunday when we have our first of 4 holiday shows at Renton Civic Theatre!! We have four shows there in December. All at 7:30 pm. Dec 11, 12, 18 & 19!!

I hope you'll join us.

YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

2011-11-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

I'm a little delayed in thanking our WONDERFUL audience for our 3rd Anniversary show! And an enormous thank you to the fine folks at Renton Civic Theatre for being our "home base"!

Oh my! We had some fun! Thank you for indulging us and letting us sing some of our favorites! In the new year, we'll be back to our usual request format! We were thrilled with the turnout and thrilled that we could donate a portion of our proceeds to the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank. It is in our hearts to give back to our community when we can!!

As we launch into the holiday season we are busy, busy, busy. We've booked a few private events plus we have four (count 'em) shows at Renton Civic Theatre. All shows are at 7:30 on Dec 11, 12, 18 & 19.

PLUS, I'll be joining my friends in Kirkland for the Kirkland Performance Center's Old Time Holiday show for the 3rd year in a row. (Wow, it is just a season of threes, isn't it!)

I send you love and blessings for a joyful Thanksgiving and we'll see you soon with a Christmas carol in our hearts and on our lips! Love you!!

ALWAYS SUNNY

2011-11-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

I believe that amazing things happen every day! I just think that often we don't notice . . . I try to express gratitude every day for what I have. Today, I'd like to express gratitude for all of the amazing friends who've joined us at our shows! YOU are the stars of our show and each and every one of you is amazing in your own way! I feel so blessed and so happy that I get to sing with all of you! I am so excited to see everyone THIS Sunday, November 20th at Renton Civic Theatre! This is our 3rd Anniversary show!!

I'M A BELIEVER

2011-11-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

I believe that good things happen!! I look for the silver lining in every situation!

And, I believe for big things with our little show that keeps getting bigger all the time! Nephew Aaron and I believe in putting as MUCH peace, love and rock n' roll out into the world as we humanly can!

We also believe in giving back to our community so we are VERY excited that we will be donating a portion of our proceeds from our November 20th show at Renton Civic Theatre to the Renton Salvation Army food bank!

You won't want to miss this show; it is our 3rd anniversary of performing together and we have all SORTS of musical mayhem planned! Bring your friends, bring your family and help us pack the theatre all in support of a good cause!

LEONARD

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Another milestone has been reached; I have been married to my current husband -Leonard- longer than I stayed married to any other husband! I think this one just MIGHT be a keeper! 3 years today! It was a whirlwind!

Ain't love grand??

He continues to surprise and delight and frustrate and charm me each and every day! In honor of our anniversary, please say "I love you" to everyone you love today!!

SOMETHING'S COMING

2011-10-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

As Stephen Sondheim wrote . . . Something's coming / something good / If I can wait! / Something's coming / I don't know what it is /but it is / Gonna be great!

That's kind of how I feel. Only I DO know what's coming and I know that you're going to want to be in the audience!! It is our 3rd anniversary show! What I don't know is WHO is going to be coming. That is always the magical mystery and I'm always so thrilled with the returning friends and the new friends we meet at every show!!

If you've been to past anniversary shows, you know that there is typically a little more mayhem than usual. Rumor has it that my ex-husband, Quinton is going to show up - and Nephew Aaron and I are working on more surprises!

For this show, we are going to donate a portion of our proceeds to the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank. It is in our hearts to give back to the community! And, being the Sunday right before Thanksgiving we wanted to make sure that all families in our hometown of Renton, WA have food for the holiday!

I love you my sweets!

SUNNY DAY

2011-10-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Chasin' the clouds away! There is nothing nicer than waking up to a sunshiny Fall day! Unless it is waking up to a rainy Fall day! Really the way you wake up is YOUR decision. If you always need sunshine to be in a good mood; well, you'll be disappointed quite often -especially if you live in the Pacific NW!! So, what kind of day will it be for YOU??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

2011-10-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

It is Nephew Aaron's Birthday today! Please wish him a Happy Birthday! May all of you have a Nephew as special to you as Nephew Aaron is to me! We will have lunch at Jimmy Mac's to celebrate and I will sing him an extra-rousing version of "Good Morning Starshine" at breakfast today!

ROCKTOBER

2011-10-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

A hale and hearty thank you to all the fine folks who joined us at Renton Civic Theatre yesterday to ring in ROCKTOBER in fine, fine style! As always, you were the stars of our show! So fun! It is a special month because Nephew Aaron celebrates his birthday this month. I just couldn't wait, so I gave him his present a little early . . . you just had to be there to see it! We are VERY excited 'cause our next show is November 20, 2011 and this is our THIRD anniversary show! Can you believe it? While we've been Auntie and Nephew just forever; we've only been performing together for 3 years in November. We'll ring out our 3rd season and begin our 4th year, all in fine style! I hope you can join us. In the meantime fill this month with lots of peace, love & rock n' roll! I love you all!

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW . . .

2011-09-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

. . . is love, sweet love. No, not just for some but for EVERYONE! I do believe that! Nephew Aaron and I have it in our hearts to give back when we perform. For our show this Sunday, October 2nd. We've chosen Lifelong AIDS Alliance. So we will be donating a portion of our proceeds to this fine organization. We'd be honored if you'd join us in our continuing mission to fill the world with peace, love & rock n' roll!

Sunday, October 2, 2011
2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30)
Renton Civic Theatre
507 S. 3rd
Renton, WA

Tickets are ALWAYS available at the door, we won't turn anyone away!!

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

2011-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Life wouldn't be much happy without my friends; and I have so MANY of them. Today, think of your friends. Lavish love and time and your full attention to the ones who are supportive for those are the friendships that you want to thrive. Be gentle but kind and remove yourself from those who are critical and make you feel "less than" after you encounter them. Friends are NOT like family; you don't have to suffer through the ones that aren't good for your soul!!

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.
~Elbert Hubbard

VOGUE

2011-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Nephew Aaron and I had the BEST time at the Vogue Theatre Performing Arts Centre in Cle Elum last Sunday. It is an old Vaudeville house that has been transformed inside to dreamy perfection. What a great space. And they put up these road signs all around the place which we got a HUGE kick out of! And they hung tons of twinkle lights which warmed my glittery heart!! A huge thank you to the audience as you are ALWAYS the stars of our show and much love to Larry & Rosemary Putnam who own this fine space; Kandis Branum who runs this fine space and the very sweet Rob Witte (and the Cascade Academy of the Performing Arts) for the wonderful sound system. Let there be more art in Cle Elum. It is worth a drive out there to check out this amazing, wonderful and warm space!! Their next show is "The Mousetrap" Oct 27-30.

LUCK BE A LADY

2011-09-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

I know I've written about this before but some things bear repeating: you make your own luck! Okay, I'll say it louder, YOU MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK. Truly, it is all in your attitude. If you are open and receptive and CLEAR about your goals/dreams then "luck" consists of merely being open and receptive to the things that come your way to help you achieve your dreams! That, and a lot of hard work, will get you where you want to go! Go on out there! You can do it! Take the opportunities that will help you achieve your dreams! I love you, my friends!!

ANTICIPATION

2011-09-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! Fall is here! First day of September. All around my neighborhood, the kids are going back to school and excitement fills the air. September is always a good chance to make plans for the future while STILL enjoying the here and now! What are you anticipating?? Nephew Aaron and I have all sorts of exciting things lined up for this Fall and Winter. We are enjoying this phase of planning and anticipation for all the wonderful things ahead. Go ahead, make YOUR back-to-the-school-of-LIFE plans and enjoy all the good things that are on the horizon!

SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS & RAINBOWS

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was in my FIRST dance recital! Oh, I danced when I was a child but was never in one town long enough to participate in the year-end recital. I always WANTED to be in the recital, though.
I've been taking adult tap classes at the Rainier Ballet Academy for a full year and I got to be in recital in June! It was so exciting and all I hoped it would be.
If there's something YOU'VE always wanted to do then GO for it! It is so satisfying!

ABUNDANCE

2011-08-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that what you THINK about comes to you in ABUNDANCE? If you wake up each morning, feeling happy and grateful, usually MORE wonderful things come your way. If you wake up dreading the day, then you have an abundance of awful experiences.

It is all merely how you approach it.

Is today going to be an abundantly good day for you? I certainly hope so!

IF YOU WANT TO SING OUT

2011-08-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sing out! Look at the alphabet on the computer keyboard. 26 letters in the English language. From those humble 26 letters come words. From those words come great literature, lyrics, poems, plays, speeches and conversations with the ones you love.
All of that from 26 letters. Those are the building blocks of your creativity. They will always be there and as long as they are there you can create! Sing out, my friends! You already have the tools at hand. 26 humble letters.

BLACK AND WHITE

2011-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you only see the world in black and white? Is it either/or with you? Does it have to be this, or that but not the other?

If so, I challenge you today to shake it up!

The world is full of color and variation! For just one day, throw away your preconceptions, do EVERYTHING differently, accept what comes your way and just roll with it. You might surprise yourself!

CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

2011-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Rolling Stones said it best: No, you can't always get what you want . . . and if you try sometime you find you get what you need . . .

What are you upset about right now? What is it you want that you're not getting? Did you EVER stop to think that maybe what you want isn't what you NEED?

Years and years ago I fell madly in love and if I'd married the man who WOULD have been my first husband, well, I would've never taken the job singing on the cruise ships in the first place.

Who knows WHERE I would've ended up?? The point is, some of my fondest memories and greatest adventures happened as a result of performing on the cruise ships and I wouldn't have had those memories had I taken for a husband the first man who proposed to me. I'm so GRATEFUL I didn't marry him! If I trace the path of my life, all the disappointments, all the struggles, all the things I did NOT get, have brought me to where I am today: happily married, living in Renton, having adventures and relishing fond memories of things that've gone before! I'm so excited for the future and when things don't go my way, I do my best to shrug them off and realize that something even BETTER must be in store!

STOP for one second and turn it around! Let your mind wander to the POSSIBILITIES that open up if you don't get what you want . . . but if life instead brings you what you NEED!!

Sending hugs and kisses today, my friends!! ~Aunt Dottie

FAVORITE THINGS

2011-08-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens don't do it for me. But, Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse in Renton sure does! It is one of my favorite places to eat and people who know me well, know that! I also love: hot pink, music that everyone can sing along to and sparkly things. Cover it in pink, glitter and rhinestones and you've pretty much got a sure hit!

I was just thinking the other day that our favorite things become roadmaps for other people. A way for them to connect to us. When I'm out and about and see something that reminds me of someone else, it is usually reminding me of something that I know my friend loves -or is passionate about! Isn't that wonderful???

On the other hand, people who don't seem to have favorite things, hobbies or passions are harder to get to know. They pop up less frequently in our minds because they don't express strong preferences for ANYTHING. I worry that they do this because they are afraid to be themselves; because they are afraid that others won't think them "cool". Don't worry! The people who really care about you don't care if your favorite things are "cool" or not (and if they do, maybe you don't need them for friends!) C'mon, start expressing your fondness for something. For anything! It helps us get to know you; remember you; AND connect with you! Peace, my friends!

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

2011-08-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Are you going through life like my doggie friend here, barely seeing what’s out there? Believe me, Aunt Dottie KNOWS it is hard sometimes to see the full picture! How many times have I raised my hand with all the folks who are guilty of not seeing things clearly? Too many to count! It is the hardest lesson in life to learn, so we get to learn it over and over again! When we get upset with another person or a situation, it is another chance to learn and grow from this life lesson. I know it always feels SO much better when I can actually pause, brush the hair away from my eyes and look at the situation with as much CLARITY as possible. So, I challenge you today friends! I challenge you to look at a situation that is frustrating or angering you and try to look at it from EVERY angle! The only thing YOU can control is your REACTION to a situation! Do you want to go through life being angry? Do you want to go through life taking offense? Or do you want to go through life being happy and loving and forgiving. That’s what I choose (though it isn’t always easy, it always feels SO much better when I get there!) So, free yourself from those negative thoughts and see things clearly . . . .

RED RUBBER BALL

2011-07-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Are you resilient, like those playground balls that seem to bounce forever? Or are you deflated; with absolutely no capacity to rise above anything that might be bothering you? I love everyone but sometimes their behavior sends me away. I’m just being honest today, friends: about the only thing that will irritate me is when someone is being completely negative. I just won’t tolerate it in others and I won’t tolerate it in myself! The other day, I caught myself griping about this, that and the other thing. When I realized what I was doing, I sat right down and set out to write a list of 10 things for which I am grateful. The list grew to about 50 things! This little exercise always helps my mood when I see on paper all the amazing things in my world! But, I’ve known people who refuse to write a gratitude list; in fact, they refuse all attempts at looking at the positive things; they refuse to see ANY good in their life. You do that around me and I will give you a hug and send you on your way! Until you’re ready to snap out of it and get over yourself you won’t endear yourself to me (or anyone, probably!). I’m happy to talk with anyone UNLESS they are wallowing in self-pity; because it is about as productive as talking to my kitchen table. And, here’s a little tip, if you find someone willing to join your pity party, they’re probably wallowing, too! Why stir up the negative? SO much in life is out of our control but we CAN control the way we REACT to all the crazy stuff. Try it. Right now! Quickly write a list of 10 things for which you are grateful.

Today, I am grateful for . . .

My health
My husband, Leonard
My Nephew Aaron & Niece Rachel
The rain that watered my droopy plants
They sight of the beautiful eagle that flew over my house
The breakfast my husband made for me
The music on the radio
Our little garden
Our little house
All of YOU!

SUNSHINE DAY

2011-07-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

The weather has been the biggest news story this summer. Some parts of the country have MORE sun than they need or want and in the Pacific NW they keep telling us that we’ve had about 78 minutes of summer or something like that. No matter where you go, there is weather and weather is just like life. Sometimes things in life heat up to a degree that makes you feel uncomfortable or unhappy. Sometimes things are dreary for much longer than you anticipated. Whatever the weather though, YOU choose your reaction to it. Rain on your parade? Are you going to miss the festivities entirely? Or are you going to grab an umbrella and go anyway? Is something in your life too hot to handle? Are you going to hide inside in the dark and wait for it to go away? Or put on your sunglasses and sunscreen for protection and confront the heat? Oh I’m full of those weather metaphors today! (Metaphor: it was the word of the day once!) So get out there, friends, and live your life and just know that there’s going to be all types of weather; you’ve got to choose: do you want to let it affect your attitude? Or not? YOU decide, you know! Love you, friends! ~Aunt Dottie

ALL TOGETHER NOW

2011-07-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

I’ve always loved the camaraderie that forms around a common idea or group of people who enjoy the same thing. After living a nomadic lifestyle most of my years; I’m SO enjoying living in Renton. I find there’s so much MORE opportunity to be part of a community! I’m a member of so many communities: the arts community; the community at the dance studio; the community in my neighborhood; the community at church; my lodge sisters at the Daughters of the Knights of Walla Wall and the City of Renton community. This weekend is Renton River Days and a chance to enjoy and celebrate the community of folks who live here in Renton, WA. Even if you don’t live close by; why not make an extra effort this weekend to enjoy YOUR community

A DAY IN THE LIFE

2011-07-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

"If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem wonderful at all." ~Michelangelo

I love seeing people at the top of their game; people who are amazingly accomplished at what they do. It is easy to watch someone give a stellar performance; witness a skillfull athletic feat; or view a transcendent work of art and forget all the effort, time, practice and MISTAKES that went in to creating what we see. What we can never know or never see is how much of a life went in to creating what we enjoy . . .

Legendary violinist Isaac Stern was once confronted by a woman after a concert. She said, “Oh, I’d give my life to play like you!” Stern replied, “That I did!”

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

2011-07-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Most people call them “goals”; I prefer to call them “dreams”! (Because it feels more magical!!) When I was traveling with my mother, in our little airstream trailer, she hung up a small bulletin board for me in the main living area of our trailer. That was my “dream board” and I’d tack up pictures of things I wanted or pictures that symbolized something I wanted to achieve. Every time I got something or did something, I’d take that picture off the board, glue it into a scrapbook and come up with a NEW dream. The funny thing about my little bulletin board was that OTHER people saw visual pictures of my dreams, too. One of the pictures I had for a long time was a picture of a big cruise ship –because I wanted to sing on the boats. My friends saw that picture, too. It was a FRIEND who saw an audition poster for cruise ship auditions that alerted me to my first audition; the one that got me my first job! The friend KNEW that was one of my dreams because he’d seen the picture on my bulletin board!

Isn’t it funny how that works?? He wouldn’t have told me about the auditions had I not made my dream as clear as day, not only for myself but for OTHERS so they could be “in” on it and help me! Also, because that was my dream, I knew I had to practice and build my skills so I'd be READY when my turn to audition came!

As I got older, my dreams got bigger but I still have my habit of the pictures. I tape them up around the house; mostly inside closet doors and cupboards! Every time I open a cupboard, a picture shows up to keep me focused on that particular dream.

What do you do to keep focused on your dreams/goals? How do you celebrate when they come true? Today, I encourage you to go for your dreams! Find a way to keep them in the front of your mind and achieve them!

P.S. My current enormous dream is for Nephew Aaron & I to take our show to Broadway for a 9 week limited engagement! I've created a mock "Playbill" cover with OUR pictures on it to keep the dream focused! We rehearse together often and I sing EVERYDAY. That's how we keep focused AND prepared!!

SHOWER THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE WITH LOVE

2011-07-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the iPod is one of my favorite things in the world! Please, if you know the person who invented it tell them that Aunt Dottie is eternally grateful! James Taylor’s “Shower the People you Love with Love” came up on my shuffle and I think for the first time I really heard the opening lyrics to this song: “You can play the game and you can act out the part / Though you know it wasn't written for you.”

I have no way of knowing what Mr. Taylor intended with these lyrics but, I see those words on the page and it makes me think about people who are NOT living the lives they were meant to live. They are living lives that someone ELSE told them they were “supposed” to live.

As we’re growing up, people have good intentions when they tell us what we “should” and “shouldn’t” do. Some people spending the lives that their parents or teachers told them to live. They have a severe and sad case of “adultitis”. I just learned that word from my new cyber-friends, Kim and Jason. If you want to join their community of rebels rallying against “adultitis” then go to their site: http://kimandjason.com/blog/

I READ THE NEWS TODAY

2011-07-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Actually, I read some art books today -but the artist's quotes and pictures were so inspiring; they felt fresh and new! I love to go to the local library over the Cedar River and just browse. I’ll check out books and bring them home just to flip through and return them the next day! Today, I found myself drawn to a batch of books about art journals and altered books and creating art IN journals. It inspired me to write down some of the quotes from the books into my own little dream journal. I always have my dream journal with me to write down the day’s news, or song ideas, or just anything that floats into my world that I find inspiring. I started out just by jotting notes in my datebook until I had too many thoughts for my datebook and branched out into journals. I’ll never go back! I have some old journals where I traced around my Nephew Aaron’s hand when he was a little boy. I did it over the years and have a nice visual memory of how small he was when he was a little boy. If you don’t already journal, why don’t you start today. The thing I like best is that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to keep a journal!

YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you need a little pick-me-up today; a little reminder that you are unique and special and you can DO ANYTHING, this video just might do the trick!

SUPERSTITION

2011-07-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

A bird flew into a window above my head and fell right at my feet, dead! It was shocking and sad and I initially thought, “Oh my goodness, what does this MEAN? Is this an omen? A portent of evil?”

Then I looked up and realized that the bird had flown into a building made entirely of glass. There were trees reflected in the building. The poor bird was just misguided and flew into the illusion of a tree. I had to laugh at myself. How many times do we make “mountains out of molehills” (as my mother used to say). I feel badly for the bird but grateful for the reminder not to invent or add meaning to things that have nothing to do with me. Stevie Wonder sang: When you believe in things that you don't understand/Then you suffer /Superstition ain't the way, no, no, no . . .

GET BACK

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I read this gem on twitter: It's a great day to figure out what makes you happy & hold a yard sale for everything that doesn't. I’m certain the author was thinking about the PHYSICAL junk around the house but, I think this also goes for the mental JUNK that accumulates. What thoughts are you holding that don’t make you happy? Why? Get rid of ‘em! Probably no one will want them, either, so just throw those negative thoughts into the trash and replace them with something that inspires and uplifts you. When we’re children, we think positively until an adult or mean friend puts negative words into our brains! Get back to that place where you believe in yourself and know you can do anything!

Replace “I’m stupid” with “I’m always learning”. Things like that. Get out two pieces of paper. Write all your negative words on one sheet. (You'll probably notice, too, who GAVE you those negative words in the first place!)

Create a positive replacement and write it on the other sheet of paper. Next get RID of those negative thoughts and phrases and hang up that positive sheet of paper somewhere you’ll see it everyday to remind yourself of the new ways you want to think.

DIFFERENT

2011-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

There’s a song that Mama Cass sings that goes like this: When I was smaller, and people were taller, I realized that I was different . . . How many of you feel that way? Feel like you are always the odd man out? I’m here to say, that’s okay. Did you see yesterday’s video that I posted? Most of the people who’ve done the most good in our world; who’ve made huge positive impacts have been labeled “different” at one time or another, I’m certain of it! If the part of you that makes you different is also the part that is going to change the world for good, then keep on being different! I love and support you! Stand tall, head high! Go on out and be the positive change you want to see in this world! xoxo

MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC

2011-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

This video is a great reminder to just keep on keeping on; to be the person you KNOW you are meant to be –no MATTER WHAT anyone else says! Don't let the jerks get you down, my friends! I send you love!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today my Nephew Aaron & Niece Rachel celebrate their 1^st Anniversary. It fills my heart with joy! Congratulations to you two! Here’s wishing you many, many more years of wedded bliss. I’m going out right now and decorate your pink flamingo fence with little top hats and veils! I think back to a year ago today and remember sitting in the crying room with all the little babies and watching the wedding on a video screen! That’s what I do when I’m exceptionally happy, I cry. Today, in honor of my Nephew and Niece, please give your loved ones and extra squeeze!

HEART OF LIFE

2011-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today, this John Mayer song popped up randomly on my iPod (wonderful, wonderful invention) and the chorus won’t leave my head:

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Sometimes a song perfectly expresses what I’m thinking. . . The heart of life IS good, my friends.

IMAGINE

2011-07-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

My wish for you, friends, is that you will see how talented and creative you are; that you will see that today no matter WHAT you do, you are doing it uniquely in a way that no one else does it! Stretch your creativity. Imagine there are NO limits and see what you can create today.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

When the Tin Man wanted a heart, the Wizard said to him, “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much YOU are loved by others.”

So true, but some people make it so difficult to love them, don’t they? You can make it easier for people to love you by treating them with kindness and respect. By cutting them some slack, by just SMILING when you interact with them! Go on out there today and show everyone how darned LOVEABLE you are!

THINKING

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone has an internal dialogue; those things we say to ourselves over and over and over and over and . . . you get the picture! What are those repeated words and phrases? Do you tell yourself good, encouraging things to build yourself up and to help you approach life with a positive attitude? Or do you tell yourself discouraging things? Think about it. If it isn’t something you’d say to your best friend to lift them up; then why are you saying it to yourself? Please, be kind to yourself . . .

OH, BEAUTIFUL

2011-07-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up traveling all over this great country of ours. It is amazing how different each place is but also how many things we have in common. We all want to live free and brave. We all want the best for ourselves and our families. Today I am overflowing with gratitude for the visionaries who created our country and for all the fine men and women who fought for the freedom we enjoy!

BLESSED

2011-06-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

I feel so very blessed! What WONDERFUL fans we have! Thank you ALL for joining us at Renton Civic Theatre last Sunday night! It was a great way to bring in the summer! We LOVE you all!! Thanks for singing and dancing along with us! Thank you for being YOU!

DIFFERENT

2011-06-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

There is a commercial that I hear recently in which people are commenting about people who live in a way they cannot understand. Have you heard it/seen it? At any rate, it reminds me of a very obscure song, Mama Cass sings, "When I was smaller, and people were taller, I realized that I was DIFFERENT . . ."
I think we all have a tendency to turn our noses up at someone who lives differently than we do; or does things in a way that is different from the way WE would do it. I've started saying to myself, "Not wrong. Just different." when I feel myself going down that path . . . We all make choices in our life and just because someone doesn't do something the way I do something doesn't make it wrong. Just different. Sending you peace today, friends! ~Aunt Dottie

YOU NEVER KNOW

2011-06-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Isn't life amazing? Full of wonder, and grand things?? Do you mostly have good things happen to you? Or mostly bad? I think it is all in the way you LOOK at it! My Mama used to say that if I was in a room full of horse manure; I'd be digging away happily -looking for the pony that would JUST have to be SOMEWHERE! Hee hee! That's me! If you hang around me long enough, that optimism just might rub off on you! Be careful!! Hee hee! I send you love my friends! ~Aunt Dottie

LIFE LESSONS

2011-06-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

I love to learn new things; as any regular reader of mine will know. I believe there’s always a chance to learn something. I love, love, LOVE going to movies and I was just thinking the other day that the movies that stick with me the most are the movies from which learned some important life lessons! See if you can guess the movies I’m talking about BEFORE you click on the links that tell you what they are!!

I learned to see the magic in the everyday from a very proper British Nanny.

I learned to live life to the fullest from a very determined old lady.

I learned courage from a lion; love from a tin man; wisdom from a scarecrow and determination from a little girl from Kansas.

I learned perseverance and the ability to get along with just about anyone from a man in search of something beloved to him.

I learned to be goofy and silly and enjoy life from a quartet of boys just trying to be themselves in a world that’s crazy all around them.

I learned friendship from an alien.

Oh, I could go on and on. What are some of your favorite movies? Why? How did they inspire or teach you? I hope you all have an enlightening day!! Love, Aunt Dottie

HAPPY-NESS

2011-06-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

What makes you happy? Truly happy? I’m not talking about the fleeting happiness that a new pair of shoes or new “toy” brings. I’m talking about genuine, lasting happy? What brings that to you? Years ago, I had a cruise director who I initially thought was a mean, selfish person. It felt like his entire goal in life was to make everyone AROUND him miserable. Then, I realized he was exceedingly UNhappy. No joy in his life. He tried to fill it with partying and possessions but the more he partied and the more possessions he acquired the more SELFISH he got. Finally, a wiser person than I stopped him in the middle of a tirade and said, “You must be so unhappy to be treating all of us this way!” Stopped him in his tracks. He quit soon after and I never saw him again. I truly hope he found some genuine happiness.

My wish for all of YOU is that you find YOUR happy and that your happiness flows to others. What makes me happy? Here’s just a short list: my sweet Husband; my amazing Nephews and Nieces; singing along with a smiling audience; the sun in the morning and the moon at night.

JUST A MOMENT

2011-06-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

Things happen so fast! Life moves so quickly! We're all in such a hurry! But, look what happens: one second you're fine; the next second you're involved in a car crash. See that? How quickly it happens?? It just takes a moment. I was just watching a piece on the news about a family in a crash and it got me thinking about how quickly things like that happen! Then I thought about how it sometimes it feels like things are PURPOSELY trying to slow me down! Frustrating, isn't it? But, then I think of all the close calls I've had. We've ALL had them, haven't we? Sometimes that one second delay averts disaster. The slow-moving driver in front of us causes us to JUST miss the crash. I have to stop and remember to be thankful for each peaceful moment; because it could change in a second.

COURAGE

2011-05-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Growing up on the road; we had little rituals. One of them was gathering around to watch “The Wizard of Oz” when it played on television. We’d all huddle around that tiny, scratchy screen and watch that quartet of amazing characters on their quest to get Dorothy back home. The Cowardly Lion was my favorite. He was so scared but SO brave! He faced his fears and did the scary thing he needed to do. He confronted that Wicked Witch and accomplished his goal. In doing so, he found out that he really wasn’t so cowardly after all!

What scares you? What fear is holding you back from achieving your goal? A lot of times it is just our MIND holding us back! Funny, right?

We believe we cannot do something and then make it so! What is scaring you today –right now? I tell you, it was terrifying to start doing our show. I’d always worked for cruise lines and companies that hired me. I did what they told me and sang the songs THEY liked. When I married Leonard and moved to Renton I knew I wanted to keep performing because I love people and the community of music.
In fact, I will confess, before our first show I was sobbing to Nephew Aaron that striking out on this venture was the stupidest idea I’d ever had. I was terrified that it was the most ridiculous thing I’d ever done and that no one would like our music; that no one would come at all. But look how it turned out! We’re going strong nearly 3 years later and singing the songs we like and spreading peace, love and rock n’ roll which has always been our goal. I’ve learned: if something scares me; it will feel exhilarating if I just DO it -no matter how it turns out! Now I’m in a space where I am actually MORE frightened of missing out on something, which helps me push through any fear!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2011-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Find out what it means to me! Oh, Aretha, sing IT! What does RESPECT mean to you? I think it goes back to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" I think the best way to GET respect is to treat others with the respect you want! Oh, we’ve all SEEN more than our fair share of disrespect and, being in the performing field my entire life I’ve seen it from both sides! I’ve seen directors/venue owners/event bookers treat the artists VERY badly. I’ve also seen a lot of performers who behave VERY badly. Either way, it is just ugly! If someone is treating me in a way I don’t like; it requires me to count to TEN a LOT! And breathe deeply. Over and over. And -once in a while- to vent to someone I trust; like Leonard or Nephew Aaron! That helps me get through the situation as respectfully as possible. Then, I do my very BEST to avoid that situation in the future! Lesson learned. Treating someone with respect does NOT mean giving them the opportunity to treat you badly a second time! Go on out there, friends, and face the world today! I love you! ~Aunt Dottie

SOMETHING'S COMING!

2011-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

What I WANT isn't always what I NEED.

John Lennon sang, “Life is just what happens to you/While you’re busy making other plans. . . “ So true, isn’t it? I’m reminded of those words as they run through my head when something I wanted doesn’t HAPPEN! For example, this is the THIRD year in a row that I’ve applied for Nephew Aaron and I to perform at Bumbershoot; this is the THIRD year in a row we haven’t been selected. I know it isn’t about US; it is about THEM and what they need for their line-up. What they think will sell for their crowds and I respect that. It is something I wanted but; I believe that always when something I want doesn’t happen –well, something even MORE amazing is just around the corner! So, I wish the folks at Bumbershoot well! I know that they will have a wonderful festival and I’m VERY excited because I know something even BETTER is just around the corner for us!! Sending you peace today, friends!! ~Aunt Dottie

GOOD THINGS

2011-05-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

In my life, I've found that "bad" things often lead to good things.

Really what is BAD? For some people; their world will crumble if they suffer even the tiniest setback. If I go backwards in time and trace the steps that led me to a good thing; oftentimes I find that something that initially seemed NEGATIVE landed me in a place more wonderful than I imagined. The most recent example is my current husband, Leonard, being SEASICK! If I hadn’t quit the cruise ship life to be with my husband, why, Nephew Aaron and I wouldn’t have started our show!! When I was a little girl; I was VERY torn up that I wasn’t ever going to be a circus performer like my Mama, but, it led to MANY fabulous years on cruise ships! Try it. Write down the things for which you are grateful and then make a list of all the things that got you to the wonderful place and you’ll probably find it all started with something painful or difficult! I love you all! ~Aunt Dottie

CHANGE THE WORLD

2011-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

You CAN change the world. When you read or see something in the news that upsets you; what do you do? Do you say "Somebody ought to do something about that." ? Or, do you say, "I need to do something about that." ?? You can donate your money, or your TIME to whatever cause tugs at your emotions. Sometimes we are called to step up and say a kind word to someone having a bad day. Or we're called to send money to a cause we believe in. Or we're called to volunteer. Whatever it is, heed it! If YOU can make the difference in someone's life just with your smile, why wouldn't you do it? My friends, go out there and MAKE someone's day any way you can. Change the world. Even the smallest good, can have huge repercussions! Just like a ripple in a pond! I love you all! ~Aunt Dottie

HAPPY TRAILS

2011-05-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I just got back from visiting my brother in Rhode Island. While I was sitting on the plane, I started thinking about what a funny thing air travel is; a bunch of strangers, strapped into tiny seats and hurtling through time & space. We're all just trusting that we'll arrive safely at our destination; we're hoping there's no one on the plane who intends to do us harm. We are expected to sit quietly and endure the bad behavior of some of our fellow travelers. I'm so relieved when I arrive and can stop living like THAT and go back to taking charge of my own destiny! Today, I am grateful to be on solid ground!

LUCK

2011-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

So, the website fairies just found my little story that I wrote for Friday the 13th! So, I'm sending it back to YOU!
When I was growing up, in the circus, there was a beautiful tightrope walker named Zelda. She collected elephants; her little travel-trailer was FULL of elephants glued down to every shelf and each one HAD to have the trunk UP. “For luck,” she’d say.

One day, a fan gave Zelda an elephant with the trunk down, and she got very upset; she was sure that trunk-down-elephant would give her bad luck. She was so distracted by it that when we were driving down the road she wasn’t paying full attention and drifted off to the side and her travel-trailer broke free and tumbled down an embankment. Zelda was CERTAIN that the trunk-down elephant was to blame and didn’t even notice the GOOD luck that kept her truck ON the road, despite the loss of her trailer.

She became despondent; convinced that she'd been cursed with bad luck and stopped practicing each day. She’d do a quick run-through before the show but that was it. Her show got very sloppy and she had many near misses. One day she fell and broke her ankle. She still blamed her misfortune on that trunk-down elephant. She gave up the circus and I only saw her once again, years later. She was, of course, “Down on her luck."

Me, I like what the great Lucille Ball has to say about luck:

"I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it, and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else; hard work and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't."

Happy day, my friends! I love you all! ~Aunt Dottie

HOW DO YOU CATCH 'EM?

2011-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

My Mama used to say, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Wherever she went, she smiled at people and treated EVERYONE kindly, with a friendly word. And it was genuine. She loved people and people loved her. It seemed that the world opened up to HER. Store clerks would go the extra mile; waitresses would bring her a free slice of pie –things like that. Think about it, wouldn’t YOU rather interact with someone who was being genuinely nice and treated you kindly? I sure would! Oh, sure, once in a while she’d meet a grumbling grouch who just would not return a smile. And some days, she’d feel grumpy. On THOSE days, she’d look in the mirror and say, “Fake it ‘til you make it, sweetie!” Then she’d put that smile on and pretty soon she'd be in a good mood again! No matter the weather, her day was sunny! Sending you a BIG smile and lots of love today, my friends! ~Aunt Dottie

KEEP MOVING ON

2011-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a low day? A day when it just seems that the things you are reaching for are too far out of your grasp? A day when the jerks are getting you down? Me, too! On those days, I listen to the song “Move On” by Stephen Sondheim and I feel SO much better and able to continue on in our quest of TOTAL WORLD DOMINATION of peace, love & rock n’ roll. (Hee hee!) Nephew Aaron & I plan to infect the world with our own brand of happiness and joy but sometimes it feels like an uphill battle! So, I turn to Sondheim to fill my tank with encouragement to keep moving on! Maybe Sondeheim’s words will encourage you, too. (This isn’t the full song, just my favorite lyrics! I encourage you to give the entire song a listen!)

Stop worrying where you're going, move on
If you can know where you're going, you've gone
Just keep moving on. . . .

. . .Stop worrying if your vision is new.
Let others make that decision . . .
they usually do!
You keep moving on.
Look at what you want,
Not at what you are
Not at what you'll be . . .

. . .Anything you do, let it come from you--
then it will be new.
Give us more to see.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT

2011-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the movie “The Incredibles”? It’s about superheroes having to hide their true identities; having to hide their specialness because the world doesn’t want any “supers”. The two parents are dealing with their son acting out in school because he cannot show his true self. The father is very excited because the son is using his super-powers in his mischief. The mom is just trying to get the whole family to “fit in” and behave like “normal” people. As the two superhero parents argue about their son’s bad behavior, they have this exchange:

Helen/Elasticgirl: I can't believe you don't want to go to your own son's graduation.
Bob/Mr. Incredible: It's not a graduation. He is moving from the 4th grade to the 5th grade.
Helen/Elasticgirl:It's a ceremony!
Bob/Mr. Incredible: It's psychotic! They keep creating new ways to celebrate mediocrity, but if someone is genuinely exceptional...

Bob doesn’t finish that comment but, I know how he feels. I was tutored with all the other circus kids and only went to public school for a few semesters in 5th grade and it was a LONG time ago; but, talking with my Nephew Aaron I’ve learned this is pretty common. Everyone gets a prize. Everyone gets an award.
In the circus, we all had our individual identities. We all had those things that we were SUPER at that no one else did quite as well. That was OKAY! If someone was better at something that we also did, well, heck, we KNEW we’d better PRACTICE more so we could beat them! A little healthy competition was okay.
I like what Marianne Williamson said on this topic: “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

Let your light SHINE, friends! Go out and share your SUPER powers with the world! Rock n’ roll, my friends, rock n’ roll! ~Aunt Dottie

TEACHERS

2011-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I believe that EVERYONE is a teacher AND everyone is a student. I always think it is funny when people reach a point where they behave as if - and honestly think - that they “know it all”! And it makes me sad when I meet someone who believes they have nothing to teach others. To me, what makes life SO very fascinating is what I learn from EVERYONE I meet! I might not agree with someone. I might not like their behavior. But, I appreciate what they teach. Even a disagreement can be a lesson, right? I’m probably getting this quote wrong but, it goes something like, “Speak (argue?) as if you’re right, listen as if you’re wrong.” I don’t always succeed with that –especially when it comes to “loud conversations” with my current husband, Leonard, but, I do my best! Leonard teaches me lovely things every day and Nephew Aaron has taught me how to TWITTER and FACEBOOK and all those amazing things! What can your friends (and enemies!) and family teach YOU today?? Think about it! I love you, sweeties! ~Aunt Dottie

FLEXIBILITY

2011-05-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, my friends! I had a lovely post that I wrote last night, just for Friday the 13th and then, it got lost in the ether. . . floated away to wherever lost posts go! Alas! It wasn't meant to be! This is a perfect example of letting go and moving on when things don't go as you planned!! If the post comes back? That's icing on the cake, if not! It wasn't meant to be! I believe everything happens exactly the way it should. Here's the only part of the post I can remember, this quote from the amazing Lucille Ball:
Luck? I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't.
I love you friends! ~Aunt Dottie

KEEP GOING

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you trained and trained for months (or even years) to run a marathon, would you start the race and then give up after a few miles because you couldn't SEE the finish line?? Would you give up if people passed you?? Would you give up if you got injured a few feet from the end?? I'll bet, if you were focused on the goal of COMPLETING the marathon, you would answer "No" to all my questions. Completing a marathon is such a specific goal and most people can agree on whether you accomplish it or not. Either you finished the marathon or you didn't. What about other things in life that aren't as clear-cut? Then it gets a little harder to know at which point you'd give up. If you have strong, specific dreams and you are making progress then why give up? However, if you don't have specific dreams, then how do you know if you're even IN the race? I challenge you to find a quiet moment today and think about what your specific dream IS. Then decide if you're even IN the race, yet. If you ARE, then don't give up, KEEP GOING. The finish line is there! I love you and KNOW you can do it!! ~Aunt Dottie

BELIEVING FOR GOOD THINGS

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Did you wake up in a good mood today? Or a bad mood? Do you believe the world is out to "get" you? Or that the world is an amazing and miraculous place? One of my ex-husbands was the exact opposite of me. (That happens a lot, we marry our opposite, doesn't it! Whew.) At any rate, he always thought the world was out to "get" him. He walked around believing for bad things, so naturally, it seemed bad things ALWAYS happened to him! Store clerks were rude to him, he always got the defective phone or tv or gadget. It always rained on his parade. I'm not always happy. But, I'm most often in a good mood and I most often choose to believe for the good things in life. Yes, sometimes it results in disappointment when the thing I was hoping for didn't happen; but I try not to let it get me down. I always do my best to shake it off and move on to the next thing. Sometimes, too, the thing I wanted wasn't the best thing and something even BETTER comes along. So, today I'm believing for good and amazing things to happen. I'm believing it for YOU, too. I love you, my friends! ~Aunt Dottie

GRATITUDE

2011-05-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

What are YOU grateful for? Is it hard to express gratitude? I think it is even harder to ACCEPT it sometimes! I do my best every day to let people know how grateful I am to have them in my life. But, often I slip and let too much time pass. I don't want to do that today. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere THANKS to ALL the fine folks who came out to our Mother's Day show yesterday! You were an amazing audience. You have NO idea how beautiful and handsome you all look from our vantage point on the stage. Your smiling faces! The sound of you singing along! The dancing you did! I hope you know how much JOY you sent out into the world yesterday by raising your voices in song! I am ever-so-grateful! And, I'm especially grateful that, thanks to YOU, we will be sending a nice check to VISION HOUSE with a portion of the proceeds from yesterday's show! I also send love and thanks to Renton Civic Theater for being such gracious hosts and providing us a gorgeous space to spend time with you! Well, it's time for my Kung Fu lesson, so I must be off! Sending you gratitude, love and blessings today! ~Aunt Dottie

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful ladies! I wish I could send you ALL flowers! Thank you for the very difficult job you do! An extra special thank you to the mothers who "mother" children not their own. My mother isn't with us any longer but I am eternally grateful to all the ladies who have filled that "mom" role in my life. Sometimes "family" goes beyond the one you are born to and expands far beyond! Today I am honored to be entertaining folks in our Mother's Day Show AND help out a good cause! A portion of the proceeds from this show will go to VISION HOUSE which helps keep homeless Mamas and their children together. I send you love today, friends! ~Aunt Dottie

ANTICIPATION

2011-05-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

What things are you looking forward to in anticipation? Is there something special happening in your life? It is SO hard to wait, isn't it? Think of this: it would be pointless to get to the airport a day early for your dream vacation, right? Instead, you spend that time preparing; washing and packing your clothes and making sure all your toiletries are in those itty-bitty bottles that are NEVER big enough for a long vacation! Sorry, I got off the point for a second. At any rate, while you anticipate that good thing coming along -what can you DO to prepare so it is even BETTER than you anticipated?? Today, Nephew Aaron and I are preparing for tomorrow's Mother's Day Show. This will be our 3rd Mother's Day show and I get so excited for it each year. In preparation, we've been rehearsing new music to share with all of you! Have a great Saturday! I'm so excited to see you fine folks tomorrow!! ~Aunt Dottie

FRIDAY FUN

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

When I was new to TWITTER my Nephew Aaron had to teach me that #FF translated to "Follow Friday". But, before he told me, I thought it meant "Friday Fun". Hee hee! I'm glad I asked him, though, so I could know what everyone was talking about. I just love learning new things! When I was performing (and living) on cruise ships I wasn't really aware of the internet or Twitter or Facebook but now I know and I'm learning more each day! I love learning new things! Don't you? Since I've settled on dry land, I've taken classes in: driving, cooking, tap dancing and social media. What did you learn this past week? I'd love to know! ~Aunt Dottie

GOOD COMPANY

2011-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you keep good company? Who do you follow? On Facebook? Or twitter? Or via television, magazines, in the newspaper? And of COURSE in real life? Who do you consider "good company"?? The company you keep is a reflection of YOU. The more time you devote to following or interacting with someone usually has a direct impact on your day. If you spend time interacting with someone upbeat and positive doesn't it make your day just a little better? I love those friends who always have a smile and a kind word and a sweet outlook on the world! Thank you for making my days that much sweeter! I love the company I keep and am so happy you are a part of my life! I send you love today, friends! ~Aunt Dottie

FORGET MY BIRTHDAY

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

My Mama

Today is my birthday which is embarassing to me; this is just the anniversary of the day that my MAMA did all the work to deliver me safely into the world! My mama isn't here anymore but, today, I am so grateful to her. Not only did she deliver me safely; she raised me up in her amazing and mystical world. She believed in me and supported me and did everything she could to the best of her abilities. I couldn't wish for more. I'm glad my birthday is in the same month as Mother's Day. Even though my Mama is no longer here, it gives me a chance to HONOR other people's Mamas at our Mother's Day show! The best birthday present you could give me is to lavish some love and affection on your Mama. Sending you peace today, my friends! ~Aunt Dottie

ITS TUESDAY!

2011-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

ANYONE CAN PLAY!

The clowns in the traveling circus that my Mama performed with used to have a game they'd play. They called it: ITS TUESDAY. If anyone said the word, "TUESDAY", they'd over-react to that statement with some type of dramatic emotion. Laughing. Crying. Getting angry. It was very silly and lots of fun if you were "in" on the game. But, if you weren't, it made you feel left out. No one likes feeling left out. If you're feeling "left out" about a situation, how do you react? Laughing? Crying? Getting Angry? Next time you feel like that; maybe you could try something radically different and try to INCLUDE someone in the "game" you're playing. That just might make you feel better AND it will shift your focus away from the people who are excluding you. Nephew Aaron & I hope you ALWAYS feel included at our show. IF you EVER feel left out at our show, please let us know, because it is important to us that EVERYONE is "in" on the fun!! Sending you lots of peace today, my friends! ~Aunt Dottie

LOVING MONDAY

2011-05-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Mondays are the start of a new week ripe with possibilities. But some people hate Mondays. The Mamas & the Papas even sang "can't trust that day". What do you love about Mondays? What do you hate about Mondays? What gets you through Mondays? If you're having a difficult Monday today maybe a little upbeat music would help?? Why not create a "happy Monday" playlist of songs?? Nephew Aaron & I rehearse often on Mondays to get our new week started off just fine! That might make it a great Monday! Sending you lots of peace, love and rock n' roll on THIS Monday!! ~Aunt Dottie

VISION HOUSE

2011-05-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Please join us!

I love it when people are making a positive difference in our world!! Since 1990 Vision House, located in Renton, Washington, has successfully provided transitional housing & support services to homeless mothers & children. I first learned about them when I went to their "No Homeless Kid's" luncheon about a year ago. I am so impressed and humbled by the work they do. Nephew Aaron & I are trying to fill the world with as much peace, love & rock n' roll as we can so we are donating a portion of our proceeds from our Mother's Day Show to help this amazing organization as they postively impact our community. ~Aunt Dottie

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

2011-04-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

We love you, friends!

What is your dream? What would you like to accomplish? So many people have dreams that they haven't yet realized! Think about it, what steps could you take today to get a little closer? Jokes are sometimes true; remember the one that goes like this: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Dunno? Practice. Practice. PRACTICE. You ARE what you do every day. Persistence pays off. Keep your end result in mind and keep on doing what is getting you closer to achieving your dream and QUIT doing anything that isn't productive. I love you, my sweet friends! ~Aunt Dottie

YOU CAN "LIKE" US

2011-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

I feel a little like Sally Field that one year when she kept saying to the Oscar audience, "You like me! You really like me!" Hee hee! Nephew Aaron & I now have our very own Facebook page! Click HERE to see it and once you're there, if you have a facebook account, you can click "LIKE" to "like" it. All of this confuses me a little bit, but Nephew Aaron assures me that THIS is what the cool kids do; they have a fancy Facebook page! You know me, just like my beloved City of Renton, I like to be ahead of the curve! So, thanks to Nephew Aaron, we have a Facebook Page. Hee hee!

Haven't you been enjoying this rainy, sunny, snowy, hailing, thunder-and-lightning-y SPRING? What the heck?? I will say that I'm hopeful that "April showers brings May flowers" is true because I have been getting a little homesick for the tropical breezes of the cruise ships. Just when I think I cannot take another moment, then the sun bursts out and all is well again. Phew!

I really DO want sunny May flowers, especially on MOTHER'S DAY! That is when we have our next show and I'm SO excited because for this show, we are designating a portion of the proceeds to go to VISION HOUSE! This makes my heart very happy because Vision House's motto is "No Homeless Kids". It has been around since 1990 and Vision House and is located right HERE in Renton, Washington! One of the things they do is provide transitional housing and support services to homeless mothers and children. See why we want to help them?

And you can help them, too, just by coming out to our Mother's Day show!!

2:00pm
Renton Civic Theatre
507 S. 3rd St

$10 Students/Senior
$15 Adults
Call 425-226-5529 or email boxoffice@rentoncivictheatre.org to get your tickets!!

I hope you have a LOVELY day! I'm wishing you SUNSHINE along with my usual peace, love & rock n' roll! ~Aunt Dottie

APRIL LOVE

2011-04-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

How can it already be the month of April? Time flies! I was just in Rhode Island, visiting my brother, Detroit, and didn't get a chance to properly THANK all of the fine fans and folks who were at our show on Sunday, March 27th! What FUN we had! What a GREAT audience you were! Oh my word! We had lots of volunteers singing and dancing and I cannot quite say what that whole thing about "Free Bird" was. Let's just say that we had someone VERY enthusiastic who came up and sang "Free Bird" for us. Another of those, "you had to be there" moments! I'll say it again: you NEVER know what is going to happen at one of our shows and that's just the way I like it! (Uh huh, uh huh!)

Nephew Aaron and I were so honored to be able to give a portion of the proceeds from that show to our friends at Champions Foundation! In fact, it made us SO happy that for our Mother's Day show on May 8th we are going to give a portion of the proceeds to VISION HOUSE in Renton, WA. The mission of Vision House is "No Homeless Kids" and they work tirelessly to keep Moms and Kids together. That is why it seemed perfect and appropriate to help them out on Mother's Day!

I love you my sweets and hope that you have a marvelous day!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

2011-03-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

I just took a walk in my beloved adopted hometown of Renton, WA and am so excited to see the sunshine and new little flowers blooming. I'm grateful for all the people who have planted cherry trees because they are especially beautiful today! The longer I live here the more I enjoy the beauty and all the friends I'm making. There are some wonderful shops and restaurants and fabulous people who honestly do keep Renton ahead of the curve!! A lot of you have seen me sing about La Hacienda & Jimmy Mac's in my show, when I'm so inspired. And, I've become VERY fond of Jenna & A Terrible Beauty. I need to write a song for you, too. I think it will be an ode to the grilled cheese which is my favorite! My favorite shop is Happy Delusions! Mary has created a magical space where some amazingly wonderful local artists sell their wares! And you can get your "I LOVE RENTON" t-shirts there!! In the summer there's the farmer's market and how could I forget my home-away-from home, RENTON CIVIC THEATRE? When it rains or the weather is bad, I miss my life and friends from my cruise ship days but; then a day like this happens and Renton steals my heart all over again!

I'm so very excited for Sunday's show! I know I already told you that our mission of bringing peace, love & rock n' roll to the world means giving back to our community. So this is just a reminder that, for our March 27, 2011 show, we are designating a portion of our proceeds to go to CHAMPIONS FOUNDATION Imagine the possibilities!!

We'd be honored if you'd join us! Please invite all your friends, the more the merrier! You can have some sing-along fun & help a great cause! (And, because I love you, if you order your tickets in advance, we'll give you $5 off the price of the ADULT tickets!!)

Sunday, March 27, 2011

RENTON CIVIC THEATRE
507 S 3rd
Renton, WA

Tickets:
$10 Students/Seniors
$15 Adults

BOX OFFICE 425-226-5529
Email: boxoffice@rentoncivictheater.org

PEACE, LOVE & ROCK N' ROLL

2011-03-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

You know that Nephew Aaron & I believe in peace, love and rock n' roll. We love doing our shows & sharing that with all of you. YOU are the stars of our show & delight us with your presence & warmth. We are eternally grateful for all the love & joy you've brought to us by being so warm & wonderful to us!

Nephew Aaron & I have been talking & decided that part of our mission of bringing peace, love & rock n' roll to the world means giving back to our community. So, for our March 27, 2011 show, we are designating a portion of our proceeds to go to CHAMPIONS FOUNDATION Imagine the possibilities!!

We'd be honored if you'd join us! Please invite all your friends, the more the merrier! You can have some sing-along fun & help a great cause!

Sunday, March 27, 2011
RENTON CIVIC THEATRE
507 S 3rd
Renton, WA

Tickets:
$10 Students/Seniors
$15 Adults

BOX OFFICE 425-226-5529
Email: boxoffice@rentoncivictheater.org

MARCH MADNESS!

2011-03-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

I tell you, after a few sunny days in FL, I was NOT impressed by the slushy, snowy mess that was my adopted hometown of Renton, WA. But, I figure it wasn't Renton's fault that it was snowy and cold, so, I got over myself very quickly on that one. I am WISHING, though, for sunnier, warmer, longer days now!

It is APPLICATION time! This is the time of year when Nephew Aaron and I send in applications to various places in hopes that they will LOVE us and book us for their venues. For the 3rd time, we are applying for our show to appear on the Theatre Puget Sound stage at BUMBERSHOOT!

If you feel like it, I'm thinking you could WRITE to Theatre Puget Sound ( tps@tpsonline.org ) and tell them that YOU want to see Aunt Dottie's Sing-along Cabaret on their stage at Bumbershoot! It will either make them mad -or make them want us on their stage! Who knows? I'm all for risk, though and am very fond of the "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained." school of philosophy!

Nephew Aaron are gearing up to edit all the raw footage from our FL shows to post for y'all AND we have a show on March 27th at Renton Civic Theatre. 2pm. See, I told you that March was crazy-MAD! (But in best way possible!) We love you all and look forward to seeing you this month at Renton Civic!

xoxo
Aunt Dottie

THANK YOU FL FANS!

2011-02-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

One of our littlest FL fans!

Nephew Aaron & I extend a huge thank-you to our wonderful friends, fans & followers who joined us at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park last weekend! Hope you got a nice big dose of peace, love & rock n' roll!

We had a grand time singing and playing with all of you! Now, onward and upward! We are currently plotting and planning the rest of our season! Currently, we have a couple shows scheduled at Renton Civic Theatre one on Sunday, March 27 at 2pm and then, our annual Mother's Day extravaganza! Spring will be here before you know it.

And, in the meantime, we're in talks and planning mode for some more venues. We LOVE to perform and entertain our fans so, if you'd like us to play your venue or event, just let me know!

BREAKTHROUGH THEATRE HERE WE COME!

2011-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Florida friends! Nephew Aaron and I are coming your way! We are SOOOOO very excited!! If you want to see us off at SeaTac airport, just meet us there at 4:30 a.m. near the security checkpoint! They won't let you through without a boarding pass but, you can sing with us as we go through security!! I'll bet the nice TSA folks would get a kick out of that!

Leonard is excited, too, he's planning on playing poker with his buddies EVERY night that Nephew Aaron and I are out of town!! He's also decided to put my 35 lb cat, Lover, on a diet. I don't know how well that will work. Don't worry, though, Leonard has 9-1-1 on speed dial now, in case the cat tries to rip him to shreds for some Meow Mix!

Here's all the info you need to know about our shows this week!!

We will be at the Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park, FL for ONE WEEKEND ONLY!! As always, we'll be taking YOUR requests and bringing our own brand of peace, love & rock n' roll to Fairbanks Ave! So come on out for the music, dancing, laughter and PRIZES!

Friday, Feb 11 and Saturday, Feb 12 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 13 at 3:00 p.m.

$18.00 General Admission

$15.00 Senior Citizens

$12.00 Students

Call 407-920-4034 for reservations!

A BRAVE NEW YEAR!

2011-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

I love all our fans who joined us this past Sunday for our FIRST show of the NEW YEAR at the beautiful Renton Civic Theatre! You are ahead of the curve! You chose to celebrate music with us, rather than football! You raised your voices in joyful noise and sent TONS of peace, love and rock n' roll spinning out into the world and I ADORE you for it!!

Now, onward and upward! Nephew Aaron and I are SO excited! We leave for FLORIDA soon! We will be doing 3 shows at the beautiful Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park, Feb 11 - 13! We can hardly WAIT to see all the friends we made when we were out there last year!

I've already started packing! I've been to Bartell Drugs and gotten all those cute little toiletries. Don't you just love those little teeny-weeny bottles?? I sure do!! I'm just a LITTLE worried because my husband, Leonard, isn't coming with us this trip and he intends on playing poker EVERY night that we're gone! Last year, you might remember, he LOST our car in a poker match. I had to play a game of Texas Holdem' to get the Caddy BACK!

Also, Leonard will be in charge of feeding my cat, Lover. This cat weighs 35 lbs and Leonard THINKS he is going to put Lover on a DIET while we're away. Good luck with that! Last time I forgot to feed Lover, he BIT me, right in that soft, webbed spot between my thumb and first finger. OUCH! I will, of course, keep you all posted on how Lover's "diet" goes.

I look forward to seeing you in Florida, soon! Or, back at Renton Civic in March! Keep on singing out, my friends!!

xoxo Aunt Dottie

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!

2011-01-20T19:35:00.001-08:00

Every day I read the news and there is another something to make my heart a little sad. It just makes me even more determined to bring as MUCH peace, love & rock n' roll as I can to the world! I have such wonderful friends, who I know are doing the same!

Are you as excited for Sunday's show as I am?? Oh my friends! I cannot wait to SEE all of you! Nephew Aaron and I have a fun show planned. We've been rehearsing all our music. You know, I was sitting down, just counting it up and, over the course of the 2+ years we've been doing the show, we've performed OVER 100 songs! And a LOT of them are YOUR requests!

Sending you lots of love until we see each other Sunday!! (Hey, you DO know that if you pre-order your tickets you can save $5 off the ADULT price. Go to http://rentoncivictheater.org for all the info!

xoxo Aunt Dottie

AUDACIOUS DREAMS

2011-01-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

What are YOUR audacious dreams for 2011? Just feels like the YEAR for them, doesn't it? So many friends that converse with me on Facebook or Twitter give me that impression, too, that ALL of you are planning big and wonderful things for the year. Not talking about resolutions, talking about BIG plans and dreams fulfilled. Whenever something in the world bothers me, I resolve to put even MORE peace, love & rock n' roll back IN to the world!

I cannot tell you how GRATEFUL I am for all you dear and wonderful friends who come to our shows. I'll let you in on a secret, my AUDACIOUS dream for 2011 is to bring our show to even MORE people! You can help me with this dream, too, by JUST telling your friends and family about our show; and, if you have a theatre near you that you'd love to have us perform in, please tell the people that run those theatres to contact me!! I'd love to see if we could set something up!

Nephew Aaron and I are so excited to be taking our show back to Winter Park, FL in February. But first, we'll be back at our unofficial "home base" of Renton Civic Theatre. My goodness do I love that theatre! It is beautiful and warm and wonderful and I've met so MANY wonderful people there!

Wishing you ALL peace, love and rock n' roll ten days into this grand and glorious year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Show 2010

Next show: Sunday, January 23, 2011- RENTON CIVIC THEATRE - 2pm

Thank you SO much to all the folks who joined Nephew Aaron and I last night for our final show of the year. We had a GRAND time! Such a great audience! We had some fun! The highlight of the evening for me was Bob who made his train whistle sound (you just HAD to have been there for that) while Nephew Aaron sang "FOLSOM PRISON BLUES". Aimee who jumped up and sang "KING OF THE ROAD" with me and all the other fine folks who sang, and danced and conga'd with us!! As always, we gave away prizes and crammed as many songs into two hours as we possibly could!! Nephew Aaron and I look forward to 2011, but, before we move onward and upward into a new year we want to express our heartfelt thanks to ALL the wonderful theatres and venues who have hosted us this year!

Here's the list of all the places Nephew Aaron and I played this year:

RENTON CIVIC THEATRE tops the list! We played seven shows here in 2010! We consider this theatre our home base. We had some grand shows in 2010 and love this art deco theatre in the heart of my adopted hometown of Renton, WA.

LAKESHORE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY - SEATTLE, WA
Aaron and I played their Happy Hour. Whee! That was fun, drinks all around. I was taking an informal poll and the residents there seem to favor Screwdrivers as their drink of choice!! They do it up right there at the Lakeshore!

Breakthrough Theatre, Winter Park, FL

BREAKTHROUGH THEATRE OF WINTER PARK, FL

This was our first out-of-state venue and Wade, Annie & Sid Hair made us feel like part of the family! The audiences were great and it was nice to enjoy some FL sunshine in the middle of March!!

CITY OF RENTON

We were invited to perform at their Volunteer Appreciation banquet and had grand fun singing for all the wonderful folks who keep the City of Renton going!!

CHARLEY'S ON CENTRAL -KENT, WA

This lovely little restaurant/bar out in Kent was a fun place to spend two hot summer nights!

CHOPSTIX -TACOMA, WA

We had fun performing for one of their family Sundays at this venue in Tacoma!

I went by myself a couple of places, too. It is always strange for me to be away from Nephew Aaron but, I always manage to have a grand time!! Here's where I played alone this year:

THE VOGUE THEATRE -CLE ELUM, WA

This adorable, funky old vaudeville house has been transformed into a honky-tonk cowboy palace just off I-90. I was HONORED to sing at their grand re-opening since the big remodeling. If you EVER get a chance to see a show in this venue, you should JUMP at it!!

KIRKLAND PERFORMANCE CENTER

This was my second year performing in their Old-time Holiday show. What a great event this is. Variety entertainment for the entire family. It is now a family tradition in Kirkland. It sells out, so, get your tickets early for next year!!

City of Renton Volunteer Banquet

Charley's on Central, Kent, WA

MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY!

2010-12-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

NEXT SHOW:

AFTER-CHRISTMAS SHOW 7pm- Renton Civic- December 27, 2010

It's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME of the year! I send hugs and kisses and MANY thanks to all the fine folks who attended the Kirkland Performance Center Old-time Holiday Show and to those who joined Nephew Aaron and I last night at our Christmastime Cabaret at Renton Civic Theatre!!

Oh I am so lucky to get to meet so many wonderful people! Here's wishing you a Merry, Merry Christmas!

Now I'm going to go make my Christmas list to make sure Leonard gets me EXACTLY what I want. NO repeats of the infamous year of the "Pedi-egg"!!

I hope you get what you want, too!

xoxo
Aunt Dottie

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME!

2010-12-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

NEXT SHOWS:

CHRISTMAS SHOW 7pm -Renton Civic- December 20, 2010

AFTER-CHRISTMAS SHOW 7pm- Renton Civic- December 27, 2010

(Plus I'll be a featured guest in the Kirkland Performance Center Old-Time Holiday show, Dec 17 -19)

Dear friends! Have you been enjoying the most wonderful time of the year? Or have you been stressing out?? It is a fun and fabulous time but can also be stressful, too, right?? Everyone feels that way, right?! Or is it just me??

Maybe you could help me out?? I'm worried about creating lasting holiday traditions. Growing up on the road with my Mom and then on cruise ships the only tradition was NO tradition! (So difficult when you never even really know WHERE you will be spending the holiday!)

This will be my third Christmas in Renton and I just feel like some traditions need to be established. Would you mind telling me what some of YOUR traditions are?? Maybe they'd work out for my little family of Leonard and Nephew Aaron and Niece Rachel. I'd really appreciate it!! Email me. Or post a response here. Or send me a tweet or a facebook post. ANYTHING! I'd be eternally grateful!

I love you all!

AUNT THOUGHTS

2010-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

Aunt Bee

"Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister and share love like a friend."

(Author Unknown)

I love being an AUNTIE! Oh my goodness! It makes me so happy to live next door to my Nephew Aaron and his lovely wife, Niece Rachel! We were snowed in last week & had LOTS of fun times together! We sang Christmas carols around the piano in the basement until we got too cold; which reminded me that Leonard needs to finish fixing the portion of wall that we knocked out to get the piano IN two years ago. Good thing Nephew Aaron doesn't live in the basement anymore 'cause it REALLY got cold last week!

Auntie Mame

We had a lovely Thanksgiving. MUCH better than any Thanksgiving I spent as a child. Some of you know that I grew up in the Traveling Circus with my Mom. All the Thanksgivings I remember, the clowns always fought over the drumsticks and weren't talking to each other by the end of the meal! On the cruise ship, it was just like any other meal, so, I really enjoy these family times!!

Aunt Clara

This is the first Thanksgiving meal I created MYSELF. I kicked everyone out of the kitchen and got to work. Okay, I cheated a little on the bird. I bought a deep-fried turkey from Popeye's (just off Rainier Ave, right near Jimmy Macs). It was delicious! But I cooked the rest of the meal. I made Stovetop stuffing, Ocean Spray cranberries and Ore-Ida potatoes with some McCormick's perfect turkey gravy (great flavor, no lumps!). For dessert, we had my famous Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise!! The perfect end to the perfect meal!!

Then, we all piled onto the couch and watched television with our full bellies! While enjoying these fine family times, I was just so happy to be an Auntie and have my sweet Nephew and Niece near me on this holiday.

I hope you all enjoyed a fine Thanksgiving, too! Sending you much love and sharing pictures of some WONDERFUL Aunties!!

xoxo Aunt Dottie

STARTING OUR 3rd SEASON!

2010-11-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to the show yesterday! So MANY new friends and lots of familiar faces, too! If you missed it, here's a little re-cap: My ex-husband, Quinton, came out to play drums and did a fabulous job. There were some cute kiddos who joined us onstage, particularly Maddie and little Jindalee -who also told me that she's a fairy. That is a FIRST for our show and I think I speak for everyone when I say we were charmed by having a fairy onstage!!

Someone requested a certain rap song via text. Well, you know I aim to please. At intermission, Nephew Aaron and I went on Youtube and he showed me the video. NOT appropriate for a family show! So, I changed the lyrics a little bit to keep it suitable for the whole family!! Hard to explain, a "had to be there" moment, for sure!

It is snowing like crazy here in Renton today. Happy to be cozy inside our little house. Nephew Aaron & Niece Rachel are coming over for hot chocolate later! Love to all!

CELEBRATION!

2010-11-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

Do you KNOW how much Nephew Aaron and I love YOU -our dear friends?? You are the best audience members in the world!! Some of you have been at nearly every show we've performed!! Some of you dance, some of you sing, some of you just watch -and ALL of you smile! You bring us great and profound joy!! We celebrate YOU this Sunday at the 2 year anniversary of Aunt Dottie's Sing-along Cabaret and would be honored if you'd join us!

Sunday, Nov 21, 2010
2:00pm
Renton Civic Theatre
$15 Adults/$10 Children & Seniors
*order your tix at least 24-hours in advance and get $5 off the price of an adult ticket

Call 425-226-5529 to order your tix (leave a message if no one is able to answer when you call)

Just a little flashback . . .

On Sunday, November 9, 2008 Nephew Aaron and I had our very first show EVER! He'd been my Nephew his entire life but we'd only ever rehearsed 5 (count 'em) times before that very first show! Were YOU there? Do you remember?? We only knew about 20 songs and didn't know how things would work out. Nephew Aaron barely spoke! Remember?? Now, 2 years later we are on something like our 32nd show. (You know I'm not great with math, so that's my closest guess . . .)

In those two years, we've sung LOADS of songs, we've had some amazing special guests and have made dear friends singing with people all over Western Washington and in Central Florida. Nephew Aaron sings!! And Renton, WA has become my hometown. It has been a great ride so far and we are happy to be going strong!! Thank you ALL for sharing your love with us!

See you this Sunday!!

~Aunt Dottie

CLE ELUM, OH CLE ELUM

2010-11-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

(Our next show? Nov 21st @ Renton Civic Theatre!! 2pm!!)

I had the BEST time in Cle Elum last night. There is a funky, wonderful & grand old movie/vaudeville palace called the VOGUE that has been transformed into a funky, wonderful & grand theatre! Oh my! I stupidly didn't take any photos. I think I was too wrapped up in the fun and blessing of being able to perform at their grand re-opening celebration!

If you have the chance, PLEASE check it out! You always hear about theatres closing and this one re-opened; that makes my heart happy. I made over 225 new friends and cannot WAIT to go back (only next time I want to bring Nephew Aaron with me!)

Thank you to Kandis for getting me involved and and thank you to Larry and Rosemary for opening this great new venue!

Nephew Aaron and I are getting all ready for our grand 2nd Anniversary show in just a week!! Oh my! I hope you all join us at Renton Civic Theatre for the festivities

LESS THAN A MONTH

2010-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Forgive me if I'm over-the-top excited!! Nephew Aaron and I have LESS than a month until our 2nd Anniversary show! We will take a walk down memory lane and review our past two years of Aunt Dottie's Sing-along Cabaret! Please join us at Renton Civic Theatre on Sunday, November 21st. 2pm!!

For those of you who don't live in the Pacific NW, I wish you did!! We are having the most gorgeous fall weather I have ever seen. The sun has been shining most of the month and the leaves are changing beautifully! Maybe it is time for you to make a trip out to lovely Renton, WA!!

I love, love, love this time of year because there are so many fun Holidays to celebrate! Halloween! Thanksgiving! Christmas!! Yipee!! (Which reminds me, I will have to REMEMBER to sing my "Turkey Bird" song in our November show! Don't let me forget!!)

Sending all of you peace, love & rock n' roll!!
~Aunt D

SHOPPING

2010-10-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

NEXT SHOW IS NOV. 21, 2010 - 2pm - RENTON CIVIC THEATRE

My Nephew Aaron is the greatest! Not only did we design our new peace, love & rock n' roll logo together but he helped me create a STORE! A little shoppity-shop where our fans can buy t-shirts, if they want. Or a mug. http://www.cafepress.com/auntdottie is the linkity-link.
I am enjoying my SECOND Fall here in my adopted hometown of Renton, WA!! Renton and I are now Facebook friends. I don't quite understand how a CITY can be your friend, but I really like it! And I really like Renton. But, then again, I like LOTS of cities and I have been all over this U.S.A. with my Momma when she was in the circus and I traveled with her.

An old friend of mine from the cruise ship days, Doktor Kaboom has recently moved to Seattle and it has been fun spending time with him. Yesterday, he took me to the Arts NW Booking Conference at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA (which is practically next DOOR to Renton.) We hobnobbed and watched some showcase performances and he spread the safe science around while I spread the peace, love & rock n' roll. For lunch, we went to Blue C Sushi and the food went around the room on little conveyor belts -just like the luggage at the airport! If you missed something, you knew it would come back around. Oh MY it was so fun!! If you follow me on twitter, you probably saw the picture.

Nephew Aaron and I are now plotting and planning for our 2nd Anniversary show. What fun THAT is going to be! Oh my!! See you soon!!

xoxo Aunt Dottie

OH BABY!!

2010-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

NEXT SHOW IS NOV. 21, 2010 - 2pm - RENTON CIVIC THEATRE

Wow! Nephew Aaron and I had the BEST time at the show yesterday! We are truly humbled and blessed by the best audiences in the world. I think I can safely say that we had our YOUNGEST audience member EVER yesterday - little 4-week-old Ivy. That's right four WEEKS old! She came with her Momma and Grandmomma and Great Grandmomma. Isn't that wonderful! Funny thing is, Ivy knew the words to all the songs! Okay, maybe I'm stretching the truth a LITTLE bit there!

We had the marvelous Miss A.Jay Taylor as our special guest and then the girls from the Rainier Ballet Academy Junior Performance group came up and did a fancy dance for us! They were awesome. We had a twist contest and gave away TONS of prizes!! We made so many new friends and saw a lot of our favorite people. What a great way to celebrate 10-10-10!!

Nephew Aaron and I thank ALL of you for being there and singing and dancing along with us!

Peace, love & rock n' roll.

HERE'S WHAT YOU GET . . .

2010-10-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

. . . WHEN YOU JOIN US AT 2:00 PM on SUNDAY 10-10-10 at RENTON CIVIC THEATRE
1. You'll get an afternoon at the theatre when you don't need to find a babysitter because you can bring the ENTIRE clan (seriously, we've had little bitty babies and all-grown up 102 year-olds!!)

2. You'll get a live theatre experience that costs the same as a 3-D movie!! Tix are $15 Adults/ $10 Students & Seniors but you can get $5 off the price of an adult ticket if you buy at least 24-hours in advance. Click HERE to buy online or call 425-226-5529.

3. You'll get FREE and EASY parking in beautiful downtown Renton!!

4. Our special guest, A.Jay Taylor will knock your ever-lovin' socks off!!

5. Music, music, music!! Nephew Aaron and I will do our best to sing most anything you want to hear!!

6. You can feel good knowing you're supporting Renton Civic Theatre!

7. The kids don't have to sit still and be quiet! We want 'em to sing-along!!

8. Same goes for the adults! If you wanna sing out, sing OUT!! If you want to sit quietly, sit quietly -that's okay, too!!

9. NEW prizes!!

10. It is a GREAT excuse to get all your friends together and see some theatre and enjoy one of Renton's fine restaurants afterwards; Nephew Aaron and I are partial to Jimmy Macs, Bella Napoli, Whistle Stop, A Terrible Beauty and La Hacienda.

Please feel free to add your own comments to this list!!

I love you ALL! Peace, love & rock n' roll!! ~Aunt Dottie

THOUGHTS?

2010-09-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

NEXT SHOW: 10-10-10 RENTON CIVIC 2:00 PM

One thing I love about technology is it allows us to keep in touch with all our wonderful fans!! We're sharing with YOU this new logo idea we've been working on. What are your thoughts?? Let me know! You can make a comment on this page, or email auntdottiesings@hotmail.com or send us a message through TWITTER, FACEBOOK

Nephew Aaron and I are looking forward to 10-10-10 at RENTON CIVIC!! 2:00 pm.
Miss A.Jay Taylor is our Special Guest
(and we have some other surprises in store!)
Tickets are $15 for Adults / $10 for Students & Seniors
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE
*if you purchase your tickets at least 24-hours in advance, you can get $5 OFF the price of an ADULT ticket

WE HAVE A SPECIAL DEAL IN HONOR OF IT BEING 10-10-10.
IF YOU BRING 9 FRIENDS, THE 10th FRIEND IS FREE!!! CALL 425-226-5529 for this special deal

Renton Civic Theater 507 South Third Street Renton, WA 98055

LOVE OUR FANS!

2010-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

NEXT SHOW: 10-10-10 RENTON CIVIC 2:00 PM

We are truly BLESSED! So many wonderful fans keep in touch with me, via TWITTER, FACEBOOK and email - no matter how far away, we can still stay connected. I love it!!! Miss Savyna from FL sent me an email message the other day via her Daddy that warmed my heart! So I want to drop a special note to her: Savyna, I had so much fun meeting you and cannot WAIT to see you again! If all goes as planned, we'll be back in FL soon! I'm sending you hugs and kisses across the miles! Keep on making your own kind of music! Love, Aunt Dottie

And to our local fans, THANK YOU so much for joining us at Chopstix last night! We took some video, but, we never know how the lighting/sound/etc will turn out - so if we got some good footage, we'll share! I know I've already been asked about video of Nephew Aaron singing a special song!! Hee hee. It was one of those "had to be there" moments that made us all giggle!!

We're looking forward to 10-10-10 at RENTON CIVIC!! 2:00 pm. We are lining up some special guests and have a fun show planned.

Tickets are $15 for Adults / $10 for Students & Seniors
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE
*if you purchase your tickets at least 24-hours in advance, you can get $5 OFF the price of an ADULT ticket

WE HAVE A SPECIAL DEAL IN HONOR OF IT BEING 10-10-10.
IF YOU BRING 9 FRIENDS, THE 10th FRIEND IS FREE!!! CALL 425-226-5529 for this special deal

Renton Civic Theater 507 South Third Street Renton, WA 98055

GOOD REASONS . . .

2010-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

. . . TO SEE US AT CHOPSTIX TACOMA ON SEPT. 26!! (We'll start around 5pm and finish around 9pm)

1. You'll get to nosh on a FULL MENU of delish food. I'm fond of their ice cream treat that looks like a baked potato! Yum!!

2. You can bring the ENTIRE family! This is an ALL-AGES SHOW!!

3. Our fans in PIERCE COUNTY can stick a little closer to home!!

4. NO COVER!!

5. Music, music, music!! Between Nephew Aaron and I, we can sing nearly anything you want to hear!!

6. There's plenty of room to DANCE in this venue!

7. The kids don't have to sit still and be quiet! We want 'em to sing-along!!

8. Same goes for the adults! If you wanna sing out, sing OUT!! If you want to sit quietly, sit quietly -that's okay, too!!

9. I'm told the men's room has urinals -you don't get THAT at home!!

10. It is a GREAT excuse to get all your friends together on a Sunday night.

11. You don't have to cook dinner, OR wash the dishes afterwards!!

12. This is our first FALL show!! Celebrate with us!!

Please feel free to add your own comments to this list!!

I love you ALL! Peace, love & rock n' roll!!

~Aunt Dottie

SEPT 26 @ CHOPSTIX

2010-09-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

This Fall is going to be GRAND fun! Please keep checking our calendar 'cause that's where we post ALL of our shows as soon as we book 'em! Looks like 2011 might have us appearing at some more out-of-state venues!! Hee hee! For this month, though, we're staying FAIRLY close to home!!

Our next show is at CHOPSTIX in TACOMA on Sunday, Sept 26!!

ALL AGES FAMILY NIGHT!

We start around 5pm and end around 9pm -we'd love to see you for an hour or two during that time!!

CHOPSTIX is located at:
2702 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
Call for reservations: 253.627.7555

Click HERE for their website!!

After that, we are back in Renton for our big 10-10-10 show! Should be loads of fun! We're finalizing our Special Guests and making plan for some 10-10-10 deals!!! Keep watching this site for updates!!

DATE CHANGE

2010-09-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

We changed our schedule slightly. For this month, you will NOW find us heading South and appearing at CHOPSTIX in Tacoma on SEPTEMBER 26, 2010!!
This is an ALL-AGES family night! Nephew Aaron and I have all SORTS of fun things in store, because we'll be playing for about 4 hours; starting around 5pm and ending around 9pm we'll have plenty of time to get to ALL your requests!! (Just 'cause we're there the entire time, doesn't mean YOU have to be, just come out for an hour or two and enjoy the fun!)

There's no cover and they have a full menu; and full bar. Should be fun for the entire family! I know I plan on having a GRAND time!!

CHOPSTIX is located at:
2702 6th Avenue

Tacoma, WA 98406
Call for reservations: 253.627.7555

Click HERE for their website!!

I hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend everyone!! I'm a little sad this weekend 'cause I was hoping that Nephew Aaron and I would get booked to play BUMBERSHOOT this weekend. This is the second year in a row that we've been rejected by the Theatre Puget Sound folks to appear on their stage. No worries, though, they had way too many great shows to choose from so I encourage you all to go see something on the Theatre Puget Sound stage while you're enjoying BUMBERSHOOT. And get ready for next year, I'm going to start a write-in campaign to get us on a stage there, hee hee!!

INFO ON NEXT SHOWS!

2010-08-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Phew, I was out of town for over a week. I was visiting my husband, Leonard's, father in Bellingham. It was a lovely visit but kept me too far away from my computer and all the fans I adore!!

Nephew Aaron and I had a GRAND time at Charleys on Central on August 22nd. That was our last show of the summer and we had fun will all of you!! But not to fear, we have LOTS of things in store, here's what is coming:

Sunday, September 12, 2010
CHOPSTIX in Tacoma
5pm - 9pm
NO COVER!!
This venue is all-ages on Sunday nights so you can bring your ENTIRE family!!

Sunday, October 10, 2010
This is our 10-10-10 show, we will be doing some special promotions and fun stuff!
We will be back at our beloved Renton Civic Theatre for this show!!
$15 adults/$10 children and seniors
(If you pre-order your tickets it you will get a $5 discount off the price of the ADULT ticket!)

SHOW THIS SUNDAY!!

2010-08-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

7:00 pm
August 22, 2010

Charleys on Central in Kent

1734 Central Avenue S · Kent, WA

(253) 850-7799

Age 21+ (sorry kids!)

CLICK HERE for DIRECTIONS

TOP TEN REASONS TO GRAB YOUR FRIENDS & COME OUT TO AUNT DOTTIE'S SING-ALONG CABARET SUN. NIGHT:

1. NO COVER!!

2. You can order a PINK drink!!

3. Great food and a full bar!!

4. Your voice will be WARMED up for the Karaoke that happens right after Aunt Dottie & Nephew Aaron leave the stage.

5. Nephew Aaron and Aunt Dottie will bring you all the peace, love & rock n' roll you can handle.

6. This is a great excuse to get out of the house and have a late summer DATE NIGHT with your significant other!!

7. There WILL be PRIZES!!

8. If you feel like it, you can DANCE to the music!!

9. You'll get to spend time with your FRIENDS and maybe make NEW friends!!

10. This is your last chance this MONTH to see Aunt Dottie and Nephew Aaron at Charleys!