It's been a busy few weeks! The biggest news is that I have officially registered for the Sunburst Convention, the event of the year for my industry. I'm so excited! A lot of impersonators are going, including other Marilyns! It will be beneficial to see other acts up close and personal, and I'm sure to learn a lot from the workshops. And it will be a good time too; impersonators like to party! And my seamstress says that my dresses should be done by then, so I'll have two new gown options!!
I've added a countdown feature on my blog page... 83 days until I leave for the convention! I've got a lot of preparing to do. I want to develop another couple songs so I can add to my repertoire, and I want to print some great promo material for the agents and buyers there. Hopefully my likeness and natural similarities to Marilyn will blow my audience away and they'll be willing to pay for me to travel. If I play my cards right, I may be in the right place at the right time to elevate my career to the next level. I've got a whole list of celebrities I'd like to perform for someday! (Elon Musk, Justin Trudeau, Tom Cruise, and The Rock, to name a few...)
I've had two gigs since my last update. The first took place at a restaurant I've performed in before. The last time I was there it was terribly difficult for my table to hear me singing, but this time, there was no ambient noise! One funny thing that happened is a random restaurant-goer came up to me while I was setting up my jukebox and asked to take a photo with me! My table didn't seem to mind.
I was performing for two ladies who are moving away. Their office took them out to dinner and surprised them with a singing telegram. They were quite surprised! I kissed both of them on the cheek before we took the photo. My new strategy is to just go in for the kiss, and it's perfect because the recipient doesn't have to awkwardly choose whether to accept or decline the kiss. They can always dodge at the last second. It's the best when I can get the kiss imprint to look just like the kiss in my logo. On my way out, a waiter kindly posed for a photo with me.
On my way home I stopped at a store and this cute group of kids wanted to get a photo with me. They were shy, but their mom said it was okay to share the photo on my blog, so voila! I love when people ask to take photos with me. Marilyn always has time for her fans! ♥
I forgot to get a picture of me at my second gig, which was a birthday telegram for a mechanic at an auto shop. It was... distressing... seeing all the dirt and grime everywhere, but luckily I emerged unscathed. My suitcase needs a good washing, though! The entertainment company told me later that they specified I would need to perform in the front office, but somebody didn't get the memo. Later that day, I took some selfies out of costume. Look how great my hair color is! This is the day after a visit to the salon.
I am happy to report that since June 1st, I've been sticking to my plan and gaining momentum toward the results I seek. My impulsive decision to attend the Sunburst Convention this year has added to my motivation to stay true to my goals. I have to admit I'm feeling pretty shaky especially after that last crash-and-burn when I went on a month-long binge fest, but so far I've made my bed and now I'm lying in it. I *really* want to be in the best shape possible for my debut at this big convention, and I want to have a photo shoot with my genius photographer friend in early August. I've eschewed the scale in favor of measuring my progress by how I feel and how my clothes fit. I think it's great because it prevents me from getting discouraged if the losses stall.
I've realized that the kangaroo necklace is not magic. The magic is in me. As long as I trust my ability to choose my goals first, then it's only a matter of time before I can confidently say that I'm the top Marilyn Monroe impersonator in the world. Once I reach that level, I expect to have the freedom to travel to and from Australia at will, reuniting my husband and kids with their Dad's side of the family.
Another of my goals is to get famous and fit enough to compete on Dancing With The Stars. I've always been entranced with dance, and while I've never studied formally, I think that I can be really great, especially paired with one of those incredible pros. Can you imagine dance routines, with me looking like Marilyn? So many possibilities. And that would of course be great press for me! Especially if I win! So that's what I'm shifting my focus to when I get the urge to abandon my plan, and it's what I'll think about when I start my fitness routine.
I've got a lot to do in the next few months, but it all feels like it's unfolding perfectly. I am focusing on accepting where I am and eagerly anticipating the future I'm envisioning. Thank you for coming along with me on my journey! ♥
Until next time!
~ Lucretia