There is so much awesomeness going around right now that I thought I’d share some of my faves with you! Woo!

First off, can I just say how much I fucking love LOVE! love Virgie Tovar?! She is amazing and incredible and is doing a video series, “Virgie Tovar’s Guide to Fat Girl Living” and they are flabulous!!! Here’s episode one to whet your appetite (believe me, you won’t be able to stop!):

Dr.Pattie Thomas & PDA Nation want to hear Your Story (and for more resources, links, etc http://revolutionsresources.blogspot.com/):

Please consider submitting your own story through video or text (you can comment on the videos on YouTube).

Amanda Levitt of FatWaitress & Love Your Body Detroit just opened a fabulous fat positive Etsy shop to raise funds for more fat activism: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LYBDetroit
Do check it out, buy something for yourself (like the fat rights tool kit!!! OMZ!!!)

And a bit of not so greatness, but I hope we can have an impact before it comes out…I first heard about this from Marilyn Wann and wanted to share it with you: Please go to the Amazon pages (US and UK) and post a comment responding to the godawful children’s book, “Maggie Goes on a Diet.”
I was personally shocked that the story itself is about a 14 year old going on a diet, but the targeted age for readers is 4-8 years old. Yikes!!! I hope that you will read the discussion and consider adding your own voice! <3

While gearing up for the Fat Flesh mob last Friday, I had wanted tp wear something special, to make a statement and feel good in the process. There was no doubt in my mind that my “Fat” necklace would be included. When I mentioned this to some friends, three different gals said that they would also be donning their “Fat” necklaces. When I arrived, Marilyn Wann had one on as well. And once there and chatting with all of the wonderful people I met that day, so many asked where I got my “Fat” necklace. I had no idea such a simple thing would be so sought after.

The “Fat” necklace is a statement piece. It is something truly special and to be worn with great pride. Providing, of course, you have the sanity points to deal with the unique reactions you may get while wearing it in public. I’ve gotten everything from people avoiding eye contact with me to laughter with a side of “That’s awesome!” with it. But I especially loved wearing it to the Flesh Mob on INDD. I held my head high and wore my “Fat” necklace as a sign of my comittment and gratitude to be part of the fat acceptance movement, to fight for the equal treatment of all bodies. However, one good friend wore hers to a party where people incessantly discussed and offered her dieting bullshit. Ugh! Some will just never get it, I guess.

Of course it all began (for me anyway) when Natalie (of definatalie.com fame) designed and offered her (and in my eyes the original) “Fat” necklace. I still think it is the prettiest design, but alas, I am far too broke for such a purchase. Nicole bought one from Natalie and I know everyone was asking about it! And you know you’ve not only designed something asthetically lovely but also radically of-the-moment when someone gets your design tattooed on their flesh! I have no links or pics, but I’ve seen at least two gals with her design on them.

So, then I posted a pic/GIF the other day with my “Fat” necklace and a few commenters were interested in where I got mine and/or how they could get one for themselves at a lower price. I want to tread lightly on the subject because I am a firm believer in supporting independant artists and protecting their work. I ask that you do consider buying your necklace from Natalie, but if you absolutely cannot swing it, then I shall offer the few options I could find on Etsy (by independant designers, handmade, many local to the U.S.). Unfortunately the gal who made my necklace has closed-up shop. But the lettering is like that from the movie “Fame” from the 80’s (bitchin’ movie).

Here is what I could find on Etsy, but I have not personally purchased from them before:
Sugar & Vice  offers a few different options both in font as well as a banner style I loved.
Wacodis has one listing with seemingly limitless options (and amazing price, but only in clear letters).
Everlasting Doodle offers customization of most of their designs. So many!
I also found out that Tap Plastics offers pretty much the same thing minus the chain and such. I have not used them before but have heard nothing but great things about them in general. Nothing specific in regards to this option for a necklace, but due to their reputation I have no doubt that they will work with you!

Thank you to Natalie who brought the concept of the “Fat” necklace into our world and being an amazing artist, blogger, activist and person. You inspire us all! <3

 If you do get or have a “Fat” necklace, do send a pic of you wearing it my way (include links, too!) so I might compile a lovely post in the future to show our “Fat” necklace glory to the world!
Email it here: notblueatall@notblueatall.com

Thanks,
<3
S

Saturday evening I attended West Valley Light Opera’s production of  Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in Saratoga, CA. You see, my ridiculously talented (but modest) BFF Jery TheActorvist was co-starring and we’d been hearing about the rehearsals and cast for weeks. I was dying to see it! So we went, opening night, and pretty much got our socks blown right the hell off! For reals, you guys? It was incredible! I’ve never seen the film in it’s entirety and I’m no fan of the Christmas (x-mas or otherwise), but I have to say? I was fucking moved! Yeah, that doesn’t happen often. Jery plays “Phil” or the Danny Kaye character depending on your knowledge of the film/show. Holy wow! I already considered myself his biggest fan (pun intended), but now? Now I think I wanna start and be president of his fan club!

After the show was a champagne reception and we all stood outside waiting (me positively glowing with excitement) for Jery to come out as the rest of the cast did to meet and greet their audience and adoring fans. Outside with us were the many several friends that had come just to see J in the spotlight. We’re talking 18 people that I was aware of. Yeah, fans!!! Somehow our friend Tom had no idea that Jery could tap dance. I was surprised since I knew J loved this style of dance possibly most of all. When J finally reached us, he gave us all great big emotion-filled hugs. He had worked so damned hard to do what he did for us that opening night. I don’t know how many realized that, but I had my sharpie in-hand for him to sign my program (it’s a tradition for me).

Since I had thrifted a fabulous dress earlier in the week I had been dying to wear it. It’s a 100% cotton (and soft!) blue/grey/black/white plaid dress by Converse from Target that I got at Goodwill, with tags, for $6! Yeah, crazy! And for me the strangest bit was that it was a size 3 when I’d never normally even try on a smaller size in the store. But hey, it fit and looked cute so I wore it! I paired it with black opaque tights (Torrid footless), my classic pearls and my Avenue Jalisa boots! And I was actually wearing make up, too! Ha!

Thank you Jery for dazzling us with your amazing abilities, skills and talent! May you remain humble even while the light of the world is shining upon you…and soon, it shall, I just know! <3

**To buy your tickets (because you totally wanna see this now) Go here: http://wvlo.org/ to see the dates.

To purchase online, Click This

By phone Call: 1-800-838-3006

So, a little while ago you may have heard something about a little show on ABC Family called,

“HUGE”

about some teens at a fat camp…yeah, it was awesome! And sadly they have decided (the network) not to do a second season. Although, there is a growing group of fats trying to bring it back!

Ever since watching the show and seriously falling in love with the cast I also started to follow them on Twitter. Well, what a delight! Some very cool people were in that cast and I have truly enjoyed following their tweets about their lives, careers and various events and adventures. And then Ari Stidham posted about requests for cover songs. Yeah, I know! How cool is that?! So I requested anything by The Pixies. And today? My request/wish was fulfilled:

Thank you Ari! You are incredibly talented and give much hope to fats like me who have always wanted to be in a band but just haven’t had the courage to actually do it! (I’m working on it but damn musicians are a flaky/picky group.) Thank you for putting yourself out there and persuing your passions and being an overall Rad Fatty! You made my day with this song and I just know that big and wonderful things* are in your future! =0)

*Also, Ari? If you’re into it? I’d love to post a pic of you for my Tank Top Tuesday post! I’ve asked Harvey, too, but he never responded. Ha-ha! You can email it here: notblueatall@notblueatall.com