Miss Mina Murray

Dear Constant Reader,

Friday again. I’ve been wracking my brains for a tip. My only advice for you today is: 

Sometimes you’re not feeling it. Try again later.

Brought to you as the result of a not-so-great day.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

I have perhaps been writing you fewer missives than I have in the past. Part of that is that I haven’t been doing as much burlesque-related stuff in the past year and a half, but also I’ve been embroiled in some new projects for my supporters on Patreon. 

Long ago I made a video where I cooked chocolate pudding. I had no idea what I was doing — in terms of video making; I know how to cook chocolate pudding… I have a better idea now how to shoot and edit videos, but I’m still learning…

Dear Constant Reader,

I hope you’re enjoying your Friday! Here’s your tip!

When applying skin care and cosmetics, consider your neck to be an extension of your face 

When you are applying moisturizer or sunblock or foundation, don’t stop at your chin! Your neck needs love too. Bonus points if you also include your ears and décolletage.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 12 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked…

Dear Constant Reader,

Another book review! I need to work my way through this pile with more alacrity as I would really like more space on my desk.

My love of lingerie began as a teen. I hated wearing pantyhose. As a short girl with long legs, I could never find a pair that fit me properly. If the waistband was in the right place, my toes were always poking through the fabric. The other option was to have the crotch at mid-thigh. I begged my mother to let me wear stockings. Despite rolling her eyes at my…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday!

Tomorrow I’m teaching a beading class at the summer virtual BurlyCon at 10AM (Eastern)/7AM (Pacific) (yeah, I know, but there are participants from all over the world). You can sign up a la carte or buy a weekend pass.

Here’s your tip!

Make a list of all your projects in progress and then prioritize them. 

Most creative people I know have several projects in progress. New projects are more exciting. Maybe you have a pressing deadline so that project jumps to the head of…

Dear Constant Reader,

Our first live show in front of an actual audience! Although it was a long, hard process to make that happen.

If you’ve been following these chronicles, you know we often perform in lovely spaces which aren’t really theatres. And this was no different. The hall upstairs from the American Burlesque Collection is spacious with a proscenium stage, but it’s not actually a theatre. Scratch and Hunter put in long hours making sure we had decent lighting (and thank goodness they had the…

Dear Constant Reader,

Tropical Storm Elsa is pouring down as I write this. I hope everyone in the storm’s path is staying safe and dry.

Here’s your tip!

If you’re going to throw something into the audience, lob it underhand. 

Whatever treat you’re giving out, whether it be candy, condoms, or what have you, you don’t want anyone to get hit in the face. A gentle toss is best. Also, make sure aim some goodies toward the back rows so the cheap seats have a chance to catch some too.

These writings and other…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! It’s particularly happy today as the heat as broken and it’s pouring rain here in Boston. And tomorrow we have our first live show in 16 months!

Here’s your tip!

If you use a table in your act, bring a tablecloth.

If we need a table, most of us are going to be bringing a folding table or using something that the venue has. In either case, they are unlikely to be lovely. A tablecloth can disguise a myriad of sins and help set the scene for your act. A long cloth will also…

Dear Constant Reader,

The BeauTease have our first live show* on Saturday! We’ve been performing throughout the Long Intermission — five recorded shows (and I’m pretty proud of how much better they got as time went on), but it’s not the same thing. Performing for a camera is not like performing for people. Live means no reshoots and no clever editing — what you see is what you get. Nobody is going to be watching the recording later; the audience that shows up that night is the total audience we have.

We…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! It’s hard to believe June is almost over and July is right around the corner. I’m excited because the BeauTease have their first live show since Valentine’s Day 2020! Join us for Red Hot & Blue on July 3rd in Salem, MA! 

Here’s your tip!

The world feels like it’s starting to go back to normal, but doesn’t have to be the same as it was. Take some time to revisit your relationships — with your venues, fellow performers, producers, but especially yourself. This is a great…