End o' week musings

It's Friday and I'm in great mood! I've completed all the things I've needed to do and am actually ahead for the moment. I have the NAMM (International Music Merchants Association) trade show coming up next week, plus the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade and lots of other exciting things this weekend. Before I get ahead of myself, here's a look at my life.

Last Friday I left you by saying Valerie and I were heading out the Body Art Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona. We weren't dancing at the show this time, but we had been invited to visit. Valerie and I stopped to chat with old friends, such as Baba and the guys from Vintage Tattoo, Pat and Edwin of Mega Productions and Justin of H2Ocean. We also shopped. I bought a pair of earrings that are shaped like batwings and a guitar shaped navel ring.

After the expo, Valerie and I went to dinner at Millie's in Covina. I like it there because I have never been sick and the food is always good, plus there's a wide selection of dishes. We both ended up having breakfast!! lol! Then it was home for a quick change and off to the Fret House in Covina for my Doo Dah Queen appearance.

The Fret House was extra fun because Rich asked me to help emcee the Open Mic Night. I teased many of the guests coming up to play. My favorite was an older man who had a tiny banjo. "Where did you get that?" I asked. "Did you mug a small child outside waiting for his music lesson?" The crowd liked that one. My "He'll be here all week, try the veal" bombed, but I tried to save it with "That's a comic's joke." I got a few weak smiles. All in all it was a great time and I plan to attend future Open Mic Nights because of the wide range of talent and the warm atmosphere.

I've been busy with stories. For my piece on Pasadena Playhouse's "Orson's Shadow," I had the opportunity to interview Bruce McGill. He has been acting since he was 11 and plays Orson Welles in the show. You might know McGill from "Animal House" or television's "MacGuyver." He had led a very full life and is quite interesting. Plus, he has a beautiful resonating voice. The production opens Jan. 18. http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/

Saturday I begin my new session of yoga and I will be adding another workout class that is "back safe." I'm looking forward to getting off my butt a bit more. That night, I will be performing with Valerie at Gem City Grill in Monrovia for Princs Andrew's Brithstravaganza and Pre-Doo Dah Pary. It's going to be a fun show!

Sunday I will be lauching Esotouric's Black Dahlia Crime Bus Tour from Vroman's in Pasadena. There's probably still room for you to go. It's a cool tour filled with history and mystery. Visit http://www.esotouric.com/

Thursday night will be really hot because I've been invited to the private Fender musician's showcase party. Joe Walla will be performing and I always enjoy seeing him live. The event is part of the NAMM show. You'll have to watch here and at http://www.sgvn.com/ for my stories which will follow.

One other reminder, please make plans to attend the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. It steps off from Memorial Park on the corner of Holly Street and Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena. For more, visit www.insidesocal.com/doodah and http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/

Photos we got 'em! Submitted for your approval, please enjoy another installment of Naughty Mickie, a couple of comic pets and photos of me trying on dresses with the help of my friend Cindy's dogs, Zedd and Kujo. Kujo seems to disapprove of my leopard outfit, which is funny since he wears spots all the time, and Zedd just wants to have fun.

In rotation this week: Orange Sky, Killola, Joe Walla, Egypt Central and Josh Turner.

Thought for the week: Be thankful. Yes, things are going relatively well in my little part of the world, but to be honest, there are still a few bad/sad things I have to deal with. I believe in prayer. I don't bug God with petty pleas (although I'll admit sometimes I'm tempted), instead I take the time to count my blessings. I'm fortunate to have a decent place to live, a car that runs, a job I like and food in my refrigerator. There have been times in my life when I didn't have one or all of these things, so I am appreciative of what I have even if it doesn't seem like that much. I'm not saying you should pray - each person needs to find their own way of things - but you should be thankful for what you have. And, if and when you are able, pass it on.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie