SPIRITED WOMAN NEWSLETTER
Copyright Nancy Mills. All rights reserved.
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CONTENTS
* Spirited Woman Quote
* Editor's Spirited Message
* Spirited Woman Q & A - JEANNINE FRANK
* Spirited Woman Media Coverage
* Upcoming Spirited Woman Workshops
* Host a Spirited Woman Workshop
* Join the Spirited Woman Club - Get a Free Listing
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SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE
"It's through your laughter, dance, and song - your genuine spirit - that life propels you forward." - Nancy Mills
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EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Last month's premiere issue of the national SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter was a smash. Spirited women from all across the country have responded to the newsletter and it's gaining many more subscribers. I've heard from women in Montana, New York, North Carolina, Florida, and on and on. I'm so excited, I could just scream, shout, and holler - which I do anyway.
The response to hosting a SPIRITED WOMAN workshop has been terrific, too. Be sure to check out the NEW workshop listings for 2004. Just great! Workshops are booked at Curves for Women in the Laughlin, Nevada area and at The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston, a new chic women's retreat in the Las Vegas area. Seems like 2004 is already shaping up (no pun intended) to be a blast.
The SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter is meant to be fun, informative, and inspirational. Your free monthly tool to stay connected with other spirited women nationwide. I welcome you forwarding this newsletter to ALL your spirited friends.
As always, I would like to thank you for your support, comments, suggestions, and friendship. And I genuinely look forward to meeting you (again or for the first time) at a SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop in your city.
Nancy Mills
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SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
JEANNINE FRANK
Quirky, original, and filled with passion, Jeannine Frank is not a household name yet - but her offbeat concert series - Parlor Performances - is becoming an LA institution. In 1990, at the age of 40, after being a teacher, researcher, paralegal, songwriter, photographer, and more - Jeannine got the brilliant idea (it involved a rabbi, a date, and a comedienne, see below) to turn a living room into a cabaret. She dubbed that evening a "Parlor Performance" and the rest as they say is entertainment history.
Since that first performance, she's produced, agented or booked over 500 events, had over 10,000 attendees come to her shows, represented well over 50 entertainers, including the likes of comic Steve Allen, pianist Dale Gonyea, satirist Mort Sahl and cabaret artist Ray Jessel (who used to be a TV producer and changed careers at 72); and she's been anointed by the Los Angeles Times as "LA's premiere itinerant hostess." Wow. I'm exhausted.
I've known Jeannine for years. Our families go way back. She has always been an inspiration to me. I like her spunk and her never-say-never attitude. Plus, she is the best people connector I've ever met. She genuinely loves what she does and she has created quite a niche for herself in a town that thrives on originality. I thought you'd like to hear in her own words how she did what she did and why. Who knows - one day that light bulb might go off in your head!
And for those spirited women who want to meet Jeannine, she'll be at the Nov. 8th LA Spirited Woman Workshop. So, join us. In the meantime - here's a bit of her story.
Q: Why do you refer to Parlor Performances as an "accidental" performing art series?
A. I was going out with someone who took me to a torah study class at rabbi Chaim Siedler-Feller's house. There I happened to meet comedienne Lotus Weinstock (she lived with Lenny Bruce when he died). I'd seen her on TV and just seen her hilarious play about separation anxiety, and we got to talking, and I said, "Gee, if I got a group of people together in a living room would you do a show?" And she said yes. And the person I was with, who she knew also, had a big house and he said we could use his living room. I had no idea I was going to do more than one night. I don't know what possessed me to do it, other than I thought it would be an interesting thing to do.
Q. Tell us about that first night.
A. I went through my phone book and I made up a funny flier. At the time I hardly used a computer. I called it "Parlor Performances Presents a Low Risk Evening with Lotus Weinstock" and 100 people came - we ended up doing two nights. I think it was $10. I made cookies and rented chairs. It was really fun, a big success. Then people in the audience said, "I have a big house, this would be fun you can use my home." I used the $10 cover to pay the comedienne and for my mailing - there was no e-mail then.
Q. So what happened next, did you realize you had a business at this point?
A. No I didn't and I didn't have any other artist in mind to think about doing these in some serious fashion, but I did another one with Lotus Weinstock and someone there told somebody at the Los Angeles Times about this person doing shows in living rooms and I got a big feature and when that came out - it was two months after I started doing the shows - I got hundreds of calls from people who wanted to come and from people wanting to be in them. Then a theater in LA asked if I would help get people to one of their plays, so I put on an event. It seems in a very short time I developed a following. Today, I have over 1200 patrons on my e-mail list.
Q. How has Parlor Performances grown over the years?
A. When it first started, and for the next ten years or so, it was in living rooms. Now it is in other venues, such as libraries, temples, and clubs. And I do other things such as book talent across the country. But it has always remained a performing arts series featuring mostly comedy, cabaret, jazz, and solo performances. I also do educational shows on Einstein, Charles Darwin, and Peggy Guggenheim. I no longer carry the chairs around (I use to schlepp 70!) because I broke my foot carrying the chairs - sliding - and I had to get a new car and I didn't want to get a big one.
Q. Why do you think Parlor Performances have been so successful?
A. Because they are personal. Even when I'm in the library it is not a huge room. I'm always there. I think people know that they can come on their own and it will be friendly. I feel that there is a real personal element. I've met wonderful people through these shows and so have others. One woman met her future husband here. I think they attract a nice group of people. The shows' have a reputation for being intelligent and unique and kind of good-spirited. I feel really good about these shows. Not everybody loves everything that I do - but I feel excited about everyone I present.
Q. Jeannine, how have you achieved all this?
A. It is part enthusiasm and maybe a little obsessiveness. I have no PR and advertising budget. I also keep persevering and try not to lose an opportunity. I love making personal connections with people and I go absolutely crazy over an artist that I like. I want everybody to know about them. Maybe that is where my competitive spirit is. I love to see what I can do without any help in a way. Also, I'm pretty discriminating - for every artist that has approached me - at least nine out of ten haven't interested me enough to promote them. So I am pretty careful, but once I pick someone - I'll get on the phone and promote very enthusiastically with my e-mails. Often I am inventive with my marketing. You just have to start looking creatively and seeing possibilities in unusual places.
Q. What are you most proud of in terms of your entrepreneurial accomplishments?
A. I feel like my shows are good for people. I think they open up worlds and cultures and bring people together. They are done out of a spirit of generosity because they don't pay the artist really well - but the artist is open to doing this - and knows that I am going to work really hard. I'm not going to let them perform to an empty house. When they perform in a theater no one makes that guarantee to them. I usually do a split with the artist, but I work really hard for my percentage. We're in it together.
Q. Jeannine, why do you feel you are a spirited woman?
A. I try to see the positive in things. I get down in the dumps like anyone else – but as much as I can I try to encourage friends and myself to see the positive and to deal creatively with challenges or setbacks and to take advantage of any openings there might be even in a situation that looks negative. There are opportunities out there in all aspects of life if you look at things creatively and with a sense of humor and not take yourself too seriously. I enjoy sitting in a cafe and watching the world go by. I like knowing what others are doing and what excites them and that is exciting to me. So, I've carved out this little career where I'm constantly exposed to creative projects of other people and I love that. I feel like my spirit is keeping my eyes and ears open.
THANK YOU JEANNINE. KEEP ON MOVING IT.
Jeannine is always looking for creative spaces to hold her Parlor Performances and she welcomes your ideas. Also, she invites you to sign up for her free Parlor Performances e-newsletter. You can reach Jeannine at 310-476-6735 or frankent1@juno.com.
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SPIRITED WOMAN MEDIA COVERAGE
A big round of applause! A big kiss to the universe! The SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops are starting to get press coverage EVERYWHERE. In the past year since the first workshop began last October in Santa Barbara, a multitude of media - from newspapers to internet dot com's have written it up. Plus Nancy Mills is starting to make both radio and television appearances. Wow!
Newspaper/Magazine Media Coverage Through October 2003:
The Nashville Scene
UCLA Magazine
Coastal View News
Mail Tribune
Santa Barbara News-Press
Santa Monica Mirror
Southern California Senior Life
The Jewish Journal
The Montecito Journal
The Santa Barbara Independent
Valley Voice
Venice Magazine
Whole Life Times
Nancy Mills' Most Recent Radio Interviews:
Northwest Passage, KLCC in Eugene, OR
Healing Arts, Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR
Healing Arts, Wisdom Media, Runs Multiple Times & Internationally
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UPCOMING SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
To say the workshop is catching on is an understatement. More than 100 women have taken the workshop since it began a year ago in October 2002. And since each workshop is limited to no more than 12-15 women that is a big feat! Plus it's now offered in several cities. Please check out the remainder of the 2003 workshop calendar below and also find out what is in store for 2004.
For more info on the workshop or to sign up for one please call Nancy Mills at her toll free number: 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
2003 FALL/WINTER WORKSHOP CALENDAR
LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, November 8, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin, 1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost: $55
Workshop includes three hours of creative playfulness and growth. Emphasizes your ALIVENESS and reinforces YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Great for transitions, change, movement. Attendees range from writers/artists/healers to business owners. Led by Nancy Mills, creator of the Spirited Woman Approach to Life. Limited to 12 women.
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, November 9, 2003
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Ocean Air Skin, 1634 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA
Cost: $55
2004 WINTER WORKSHOP CALENDAR
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Thursday evening, February 19, 2004
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, February 21, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA/BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA AREA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Thursday evening, February 26, 2004
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, February 29, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
MORE!!! 2004 SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
Goals! Aspirations! Over the next few months, Nancy plans to book workshops in the cities listed below for the 2004 calendar year. She is also open to your suggestions for other cities and is currently available for speaking engagements.
San Francisco & Bay Area
Denver
Boulder
Los Angeles
Seattle
New York
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS.
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HOST A SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
In your city.
It's great fun! You'll love it. Anyone who hosts a workshop in their home or business receives a free workshop, great publicity, and a chance to meet other fantabulous women. Since the workshop size is small, most spaces work out ideally. If you'd like to host a workshop outside of Santa Barbara, contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
And...this workshop is great for clubs, associations, and organizations. For instance, the "Red Hat Club Presents the Spirited Woman Workshop." To talk about sponsoring Nancy for a workshop or a presentation contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
AND NOW FOR THE THANKS!!!!!!!
Robin Veron of Hanging Around gallery, hosted the Nashville workshops. She worked her "butt" off to make them a success. She e-mailed and called, e-mailed and called. The women who came were great and one (who shall remain nameless) even walked in with a bottle of champagne to celebrate!! Needless to say, we waited until the end of the workshop to drink up. THANKS ROBIN for being my CHAMPION.
And a BIG THANKS, no make that a HUGE THANKS to my friend Barbara Nowak, who housed me and fed me while I was in Nashville. I not only had my own room, I had my own wing - and Barbara's cooking (after all, she is one of the Saucy Sisters) is to die for. She also is a great tour guide and we laughed until our sides split on this raunchy tour called the Nash Trash Tour. It's a must! I miss you Barbara.
Also, THANKS TO Michaele Harrington for enthusiastically picking up the phone after reading the "Host a Spirited Woman Workshop" section in October's newsletter. Michaele is the owner of the new CURVES FOR WOMEN franchise in Ft. Mohave, AZ and she will be hosting the workshop next February. I'm so excited to go!!!!
LAST THANKS BUT NOT LEAST THANKS - To the many wonderful spirited women who attended the workshops in Nashville and Santa Barbara this past October. You were fantabulous and fun.
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THE SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB - LISTING BOARD
Here's the good news. If you have taken the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP you are automatically a member of the SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB, and you'll receive a FREE listing (up to 60 words) - monthly. For those of you who have not taken the workshop (come on girls, you need to join the club!) - the listing is only $15 per month per listing. What a great deal!
This listing board is a great way to advertise your service, business, workshop, event or WHATEVER - and to stay connected with other spirited women. Currently, the newsletter reaches close to 1,000 women. Think of it as your very own SPIRITED WOMAN DIRECTORY. Be sure to check out what other women are offering and support them! Also, see below HOW TO PLACE A LISTING.
NEW SAUCY SISTERS WEB SITE - Like your wine without the pretension? Check out www.saucysisters.com. We'll give you practical tips, wine suggestions for everyday drinking, the recipes to match, and a quirky quiz to test your wine savvy and your sense of humor.
EVERYBODY LOVES CHOCOLATE! - What could be more festive than a chocolate fountain at your next party?! Warm, delicious Belgian chocolate flowing from a free-standing stainless fountain, perfect for dipping berries, cookies, etc. The ultimate dessert, centerpiece, attraction! Why sit and nibble on cake when you can dip and mingle?! To rent contact Betsy, bcrowfoot@thechocolateguy.com. 805-566-1551.
OPEN-MIC POETRY READINGS - First Saturday of every month at 7pm. New series. Began November 1. Hosted by Christa Laririt, poet and author of Rose's Collage. Location: Red’s Espresso Bar & Gallery, 211 Helena Ave. (corner of Yanonali, one block from State St.). Contact: www.calliopebooks.com. 805-966-5906
RED HAT WOMEN'S GROUP - The OVER THE TOP chapter in Ventura County/Channel Islands area is accepting interesting women who enjoy discussions on all aspects of women's life issues, who like to have FUN and do FUN things. The group is open to women of all ages. Only women 50 yrs. + can wear red hats (younger wear pink hats). Mary Lucid. 805-278-9009.
WEBSITE DESIGN & FACE-LIFTS - Future Developments builds affordable professional web sites for businesses of all shapes and sizes or reworks tired old websites. We offer the following services: web design and development, website promotion through Search Engine submissions, website hosting set-up, e-commerce web design, and custom programs. Kathy Houston. 503-223-8708.
INTERIOR ALIGNMENT FENG SHUI - Creates a sacred space by incorporating the best of the mystical traditions of the East and the practical methods of the West. Helps you realign stagnant or unhealthy energy and to restore harmony, balance and support in your surroundings. Also accelerates progress toward desired goals and aspirations. Karyn Armstrong, karyn@harmonicspaces.com. 503-525-2521
2004 FANTASY SHOE CALENDAR - Beautiful creative shoe pictures for the woman who loves shoes or 12 months of humor for the rest of us. Each month is printed on photographic paper and is suitable for framing. Designed and hand-embroidered by Margo Von Phul. A great gift when you want something special and unique. PO Box 503, Carpenteria, CA 93104. 805-684-0901.
TREAT YOURSELF TO REIKI - Let go of the stress of the day as you become filled with renewed vitality. Reiki is a safe, gentle form of touch and energy work that promotes relaxation and healing. I am a Reiki master and have been a practitioner since 1995. $50/session. Frederica Welch, fhbwelch1@cox.net. 805-962-1969
PIANO LESSONS - Classical and Jazz. Children and Adults. All Levels, All Ages. Now accepting students. My studio or your home. Background piano music for weddings and parties. Nancy Harris Jones, MA, Piano Performance. Member Music Teachers' Assn. of California. Member Music Teachers' National Assn. 805-967-1160
WILD WOMEN OF SANTA BARBARA HANDCRAFTED SCULPTURES - "Wild" combination of glass, wire, clay and beads, the sculpted bodies are fused or lampworked with indivually-stylized details such as glass eyes and beaded hair. Uniquely created by Joe-el Helgesen, renowned jewelry and sculptor designer. 805-686-2417
ITALIAN LESSONS - I am a native Italian and I would like to teach you my beautiful language. For over 18 years, I taught in a private school in Santa Monica. I teach beginners to advanced, both grammar and conversation. Laura DeLuca. 805-565-3720
WEBSITE HOSTING AND DESIGN - The Digital Literature Institute is a nonprofit established to help individuals and organizations archive and share their stories through the use of multimedia tools. For info about domain hosting packages and website design visit http://www.digitallit.org/design or mail: info@digitallit.org.
EDITING INTERNATIONAL, LLC - We are award-winning writers, published authors, and dedicated editors who have guided hundreds of writers in achieving their dreams. We provide in-depth critical analysis, editing and consulting on nonfiction and fiction, personal coaching, group instruction, workshops, and insider know-how about approaching literary agents and publishers. Go to www.4-edit.com or contact Candy Davis, cdavis@willamette.net. 541-942-8329.
HOW TO PLACE A LISTING
E-mail a 60 word or less description of your listing (word count must include phone number and such) by the last day of each month (i.e., Nov. 30 for December issue) to: thespiritedwoman@aol.com and put "LISTING BOARD" in the subject line.
All past SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP attendees receive ONE FREE listing per month. All additional listings are $15 per item per month.
For those of you who have NOT attended the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP it costs $15 per listing per month. Please follow the above instructions.
Checks for all payable listings are to be received in advance of the next monthly issue (Dec. 1) and sent to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER:
Place "YES I WANT TO SUBSCRIBE" in e-mail subject line. To unsubscribe place "unsubscribe" in e-mail subject line.
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PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHER SPIRITED WOMEN.
Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute the SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter with the understanding that the copyright notice and all the content is to be attributed to Nancy Mills. Copyright Nancy Mills, November 2003. All rights reserved.
THANKS FOR YOUR SPIRIT! SPIRITED WOMEN! AND YOUR SUPPORT!
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