Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Vanessa: These Hands



video directed by Linda Snyder

Monday, November 15, 2010

Vanessa Breaks Her Silence: Chemo Confessions

strength is knowing you're stronger than the storm

Hey Gang,

Thank you to EVERYONE for all of your support.

Vanessa has been going though chemo for the last 6 months. It's not over yet and she's still awaiting word on how long the chemo needs to continue.

It's been quite an ordeal and right now she and her son need our help getting through the next few months financially.


Please join us.

Thank you.

Friday, November 12, 2010

A Message From Vanessa:


Dearest Beauties that have held me in the Light,
I've been quite quiet on this blog since chemo and I apologize for that. Truth be told I'm very shy about sharing the experience of challenges while I'm experiencing them... These twelves doses of Chemo have humbled and taught me the ways of appreciation like nothing else before. In the beginning it hit me so hard I didn't think I could possibly survive... they tend to dose you as high as possible to see what you can handle and well, I didn't handle it so good at first, but they soon lowered my dose and although it knocked me right over so much that I needed help eating I could see that compared to the first dose I could get through the storm as long as I had my breath everything would be okay, just simply holding on to each breath and allowing it to fuel me life. I have so much to live for and that too is an integral key ingredient to surviving... I'm a MOM so the fact of the matter is there is NO other option but to survive and THRIVE... NO OTHER OPTION!

Healing really does take that kind of commitment and focus... and when it comes to personal healing one must really learn to be gentle with one's self and own one's innocence which can be a hard thing because as humans I think we judge ourselves more harshly then anyone else might and when something like this hits a small part thinks, do I deserve this... was it something I've done, am I to blame... and these thoughts are the last thing one needs at a time such as this...

I've been so blessed by the love that constantly surrounds me that all the little negative parasitic thoughts and feels have been forced into the light to be healed instantaneously and I am eternally grateful for this magic of love and support you have showered me with! It's the most humbling healing experience I have ever been through. I have never felt so complete as a human being because I feel completely ONE with all of you. You have made me surrender the fears and doubts with your love, laughter and grace. It has effected every cells in my body and I believe in this miracle that is happening to me as we speak and I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your holding the space for my miraculous healing!

I've experienced the harsh realms of the cancer world and I hope to use this to be able to bring a light to the harsh situations cancer patience have to go through. I have found that laughter is key and unconditional love is unmeasurable in it's ability to transform any situation one's faced with. I have experienced death intimately right before my eyes and I was happy to be with this beautiful women as she passed from a life of pain into the light. I have stared my own death in the eyes and it refused to look back at me because my soul was so loud screaming I BELIVE IN MY LIFE!, that even death had to take the back seat because I have too much LOVE and LIGHT to protect me and I have a MAGIC BOY that I'm here to celebrate life with and that is too important and powerful to be taken from me! It is my intension to see my grandchildren and even my great grandchildren... it's all in the focus... I believe there is always choice and I CHOSE LIFE!

Thank you all again for all the love and support, I can't do this without you and what a beautiful life this is because of you! I intend to make you proud one way or the other and always know that I am here for you as well... I am eternally grateful to you!

THANK YOU TO INFINITY!

~Vanessa

SF/Oakland Bay Area Artist Community: BITCHASS SCORPIO BASH BENEFITING VANESSA FIGHTING CANCER FUND


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2010

8pm sharp...We've got a night packed with partying to do!
Oakland Metro Operahouse
630 3rd Street (near Jack London Square)

$5-25 sliding scale! please give generously, help our Vanessa get through the next few months of her healing!

The Lineup:
..POLKACIDE..!
..GOAT FLUFFER..!
..SUGAR BUTT TIGER..!
..NAKED LIGHTS..!
..and the debut of AMNESIA BABIES..!

Featuring an assortment of extraordinary performances by:
..COWBOY GIRL..!
..HAL ROBINS..!
..FAT CHANCE BELLY DANCE..!
..and DJ JUNKDRAWER..!

..plus SUPER SECRET BIRTHDAY SURPRISES..
..dancing! singing! contests! artcars! old pictures of flash! burgers..!

Come to the Oakland Metro to celebrate the birth of SOME OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS AND BRILLIANT SCORPIOS our world has ever known!

Flash Hopkins will be 60!
John Lieb will be 50!
Philo Northrup will be 50!
Hal Robins will be 60!
Les Blank will be 75!

That's a whopping 295 combined years of extraordinary living!
Also Celebrating: Jay Broemmel, Jason Norelli, Zoli, Fletcher, AND YEAH YOU SCORPIO...the list keeps getting bigger!

SPREAD THE WORD! SEE YOU THERE!
questions? have something to contribute?
email katy bell--yogaperv@gmail.com"

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Vanessa to start chemo tomorrow..4/28 in the early morning

Hey Gang,

I know it's been awhile.. Vanessa got home from her ordeal a few weeks ago and it's been step by step ever since.

Tomorrow, wednesday the 28th of April, Vanessa starts her chemotherapy.
Being of holistic nature, the acceptance of chemo is a huge deal.

If you could.. channel your best healing and warrior badass selves and send Vanessa your best wishes to : thehealingdoor@gmail.com

It would mean the world.

Thank you.

DA


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

VANESSA UPDATE: NOW IN AUSTIN TX..RETURNS HOME TO BAY AREA 3/25..STARTS CHEMO FIRST WEEK OF APRIL

Hey Gang,

D.A. here.
Sorry if this blog has been a bit quiet since Vanessa's surgery..

It has been a healing time of recovery for Vanessa and everyone on her team.

As you can imagine, her body has been through a lot. Her surgery, although successful, was an intense experience and naturally left her feeling pretty ill for a bit. She's starting to feel much better.

Thank you all for your continued support and wishes.

Here are some important dates:
1.) Vanessa In Austin Texas Right Now until the 25th of March.
That's right, Vanessa is out of the hospital, on her own, and living it up for the first time since emergency surgery on New Year's eve by returning to her old stomping grounds of Austin Texas!

All y'all in Austin want to show her a good time, feel free to drop her a line: thehealingdoor@gmail.com

2.) Vanessa will be returning home to the Bay Area on the 25th of March, where she will be reunited with her 5-year old son Logan, and prepare for 6 months of chemotherapy.

3.) Vanessa will be starting chemotherapy around the first week of April.

Please keep sending those wishes of strength and support as Vanessa prepares for the next round in her fight against cancer.

.. ♥ ..FIGHT..!..WIN..!..WE LOVE YOU..!.. ♥ ..


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

VANESSA SURGERY UPDATE: GREAT NEWS!

• Tumor removed!
• Colon reattached!
• Colostomy bag removed!
• Vanessa's next steps to be determined after evaluation!

This is great news! I would like to take this moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vanessa's family, especially her mother Lucia who has been through this ordeal with Vanessa every step of the way.

Big love,
D.A.

Here's a quick hello from Vanessa:

" Surgery went well!!! Little bit ouchy but happy it went so well... Much love!"

Vanessa Out of Surgery

Hey Gang, thank you all for your best wishes and support..

Vanessa got out of surgery late last night at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. Details are still forthcoming..

The word is that it went "great."

For now..take a breath..

..Stay Tuned and Thank You for Fighting..

cheers,
D.A.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Vanessa Conquering Tumor

"we stopped by the health museum in houston and found this inch worm that looks alot like a large version of my tumor.... so i told it to surrender to the light of my ultra healing badass rays... xoxo"
—Vanessa 2/21/10
Hey Gang, Vanessa went into surgery today Monday 2/22/10 at 2:18pm Houston Time. We haven't heard any word as of yet so please send ultra healing badass rays toward Vanessa right now as she undergoes the operation to remove her tumor.

Monday, February 15, 2010

BITCHASS BENEFIT: THANK YOU from VANESSA..!


Hey Gang,

You'll notice that the sound and the video are out of synch and
the video abruptly ends before she is able to thank everyone but
this message from Vanessa is emotionally heart-felt.
Again, thank you to everyone involved.
We will continue to be follow you and your successes.

Right now, Vanessa is gathering her strength for her big surgery
date next monday, 22nd of February,
at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas

Any words of encouragement, strength, and best wishes can be
made to Vanessa directly at thehealingdoor@gmail.com

Make it a great and wonderful week everyone..!

D.A.

.. ♥ ..FIGHT..!..WIN..!..WE LOVE YOU..!.. ♥ ..


Friday, February 12, 2010

Bitchass Benefit: BEATS ANTIQUE Special DJ Set Featuring Zoe Jakes video by Puzzling Evidence TV on Youtube


For Vanessa, a Special DJ Set by Beats Antique featuring the
lovely Zoe Jakes..! Thank you so much Zoe, David, and Tommy!

Beats Antique is currently on tour and will be at The Shrine Expo Hall
this saturday 2/13/10 with Bassnectar, the Yard Dogs, and more!

LOS ANGELES CA 2/13/10 The Shrine Expo Hall
FLAGSTAFF AZ 2/17/10 Orpheum Theater opening for LES CLAYPOOL
LAKE TAHOE 2/19/10 Montbleu Theater opening for LES CLAYPOOL
EUGENE OR 2/20/10 McDonald Theatre opening for LES CLAYPOOL
SANTA CRUZ CA 2/21/10 The Catalyst opening for LES CLAYPOOL
ARCATA CA 2/26 Arcata Theater


Bitchass Benefit: Special Performances by Members of The YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW video by Puzzling Evidence TV on Youtube





THE YARD DOGS ON TOUR RIGHT NOW!!!

This is just a small taste of what the YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW have in store for you on their newly launched Valentine's Tour! What you're witnessing is a very Special Performance by Members of the Yard Dogs as gift for Vanessa's Bitchass Benefit.

..catch them on the road right now..

Yard Dogs Valentine's Tour:
FLAGSTAFF, AZ Feb. 11 with Circus Bacchus at Orpheum Theater
SAN DIEGO, CA Feb. 12 with Lynx and Janower at the Casbah
LOS ANGELES, CA Feb. 13 with Bassnectar, Lucent Dossier, Beats Antique at Shrine Expo Hall
SANTA CRUZ, CA Feb.19 at Rio Theatre
REDWAY, CA Feb. 20 with Dirty Dozen Brass Band at Mateel Center
SONOMA, CA Feb. 21 & 22 at Sebastiani Theatre

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Bitchass Benefit: EXTRA ACTION MARCHING BAND video by Puzzling Evidence TV on Youtube; Pics by Shannon Corr








"Powerful and empowering, the Extra Action Marching Band seduces the pre-civilized will. They are immediate and visceral - more of a sweaty invitation than a show. They are a parody of idioms with shattering volume - guerrilla theater with the rug rolled up. Extra Action has performed in back alleys and at the Hollywood Bowl, they have played Black Sabbath in a synagogue for dancing octogenarians - but their preferred venue is a small locked room with the heat turned up."

Hey Gang, D.A. here. Extra Action has been my family since 1998 when pretty much the entire band lived together in a crazy "Live-Work" warehouse space simply known as SPACE in Fruitvale, Oakland CA.Space was a raw and explosively creative warehouse convergence powered by some wild and crazy kids all hailing from parts unknown to make amazing things happen in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1998, it was as if the beacon, the call, the lightning rod was here... and we answered it. In the short time that we were all together, from Oct. 98 —Feb. 00, some truly epic shows combusted within those walls. Crash Worship, F-Space, Seemen, Spaz, AWD (before they reformed as Xeno), and the End of the Word Cirkus, just to name a few. Once upon a time, the legendary Master Musicians of JaJouka from Morrocco held a very special and sacred show for us and our friends in Space that will never be forgotten. To this day, the Master Musicians laugh and refer to us as "the scary place." Those were the days..

But apparently... those days are alive and well. With deep-rooted friendships, veterans of Space led by Extra Action, Beat's Antique, and Yard Dogs, came together once again to rally for our dear friend Vanessa, to give you the Bitchass Benefit. It was a lovely spectacle. Watching the videos of the Benefit, it's fun to hear all the references to "Space" as if alluding to outer-space. Those of us who lived that experience know that Space was our home. Beautiful to think of our inside joke to be in reality, the fertile ground and jumping off point for the collaborations that would take us through the next phase of our lives.

Proud to know that 12 years later, those collaborative friendships are still making their way through the world into the future.

I would like to take this moment to thank those crazy kids from Space. You know who you are..I see you.

Thank you,
D.A.



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bitchass Benefit: Sugar Butt Tiger!!! with Eric McFadden! video by Puzzling Evidence TV


..One helluva rock show..SUGAR BUTT TIGER with ERIC McFADDEN tore it up..

BITCHASS BENEFIT: Cowboy Girls!!! Videos by Puzzling Evidence TV

A fantastic array of videos shot at the Bitchass Benefit by Puzzling Evidence TV are up on YouTube. More of these on the blog to come but for now, check out the awesome gunslinging balancing act that is THE COWBOY GIRLS!!!


Check out more from the Bitchass Benefit on Puzzling Evidence TV's Channel on YouTube

ATTENTION HOUSTON TEXAS: Vanessa Seeking Temporary Housing for 1 month starting Mid-February

Vanessa will need to be in Houston Texas from mid-february to mid-march
while at MD Anderson for her surgery and further treatment.
If you have any info regarding temporary housing possibilities in Houston, please email Vanessa directly at thehealingdoor@gmail.com
THANK YOU

THE YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW!!! NOW ON TOUR!

photos: Hilary Hulteen - Hills of Sonoma / 2010

THE YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW is hittin' the road!!!

Truly inspiring, the Special Performances by Members of The Yard Dogs Roadshow at the BITCHASS BENEFIT was an incendiary gift to Vanessa and and we wish them bon voyage as they launch their spectacular new Valentine's Tour!

"The Yard Dogs Road Show is a hobo cabaret, a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll. In the enchanting land of stage show entertainment theirs is both pleasant and formidable terrain. They require a sensitivity to the subtle and the absurd. They lead the modern hobohemian on a visual and sonic journey through part of history that may or may not have existed – followed by an ambitious return to the emotional challenges of our punch-drunk contemporary world. It’s a true story on stage: sword swallowers, dancing dolls, fire eaters and sunset hobo poetry - all animated by the live sounds of the Yard Dogs cartoon heavy band.
Yard Dogs Road Show is pure visual and sonic voodoo."

Valentine's Tour:
FLAGSTAFF, AZ Feb. 11 with Circus Bacchus at Orpheum Theater
SAN DIEGO, CA Feb. 12 with Lynx and Janower at the Casbah
LOS ANGELES, CA Feb. 13 with Bassnectar, Lucent Dossier at Shrine Expo Hall
SANTA CRUZ, CA Feb.19 at Rio Theatre
REDWAY, CA Feb. 20 with Dirty Dozen Brass Band at Mateel Center
SONOMA, CA Feb. 21 & 22 at Sebastiani Theatre

..catch them on the road..

Monday, February 8, 2010

BITCHASS BENEFIT: A Document of Thanks

Wow..after Friday night's event, I know in my heart of hearts that THIS COMMUNITY is alive and well. You could feel the love in the room, sprinkled with misty-eyed moments and warm smiles all around. It was a special night that will resonate far into the future.

Vanessa could feel your love too, watching from her family's home in Dallas TX, live via the information age. I spoke with Vanessa last night, overwhelmed by your support, I let her know point blank that the love she is receiving was already put out into the world by her a long time ago. It's true.

Right now Vanessa is dealing with the ins and outs of the health care system as she prepares for her surgery on the 22nd of February at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. Please know that your contributions are what has given Vanessa a fighting chance, taking care of her needs and of her five-year old son Logan for the near future as she goes through this ordeal.

Keep the success of Vanessa's surgery in your hearts and thoughts and let's hope that chemotherapy will no longer be necessary. In fact, let's imagine that Vanessa's colon cancer goes away right now. All together now... 1..2..3..

Thank you.

In a moment, I'll introduce Linda Kim who had a monumental impact at pulling this event together and would like to thank you by name. With an event of this magnitude, our greatest fear is that we may have forgotten someone along the way. Therefore, we have decided that this BITCHASS BENEFIT: A Document of Thanks will be a living document, in celebration of everyone who helped make the Bitchass Benefit a resounding success, that can be updated as long as this blog needs to exist.

So now I want to take this moment to say to each and every one of you..THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...FOREVER.

Thank you to all of the people who stepped up to produce the Vanessa's Bitchass Benefit. It was an inspiring victory and you are all champions.

Thank you to all of the volunteers, working behind the scenes, being the ninjas that you are, making it all happen.

Thank you to all of the performers who answered the call, and rose to the cause. May your songs continue to be sung far and wide.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, merchants, and artists, for generously donating Prizes to be won at the Bitchass Raffle. You made everyone a winner.

Thank you to the Oakland Metro Operahouse for generously opening up your doors, giving us the space to make the Bitchass Benefit happen. There was a lot of love there.

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word. May your voices and causes always be heard.

Thank you to all of you fighters out there, lending your fighting spirit with blessings and words of encouragement. You inspire Vanessa to stand up, to stand strong.

Thank you to all the healers, from all studies of medicine, helping Vanessa to get well. May you continue to inspire the world recognize to recognize the healing power that they already possess.

Thank you all for contributing to Vanessa's fund. Your generosity is allowing her the peace of mind that her immediate needs and that of her son are taken care of while she goes through her ordeal. Your direct donations are what made her second opinion happen. Feel good about yourselves because you are changing the tide.

Thank you to Vanessa's circle of friends and family, near and far, surrounding Vanessa with love and support, who wouldn't let her give up on her second opinion. Your love is powerful beyond belief.

My love and gratitude goes out to all of you.

sincerely,
Dominic "D.A. of Black Rock" Tinio

And now a special thank you from Linda Kim:

"Hello Vanessa Lovers

The Bitchass Benefit was a huge success!

Thank you to all the performers:
Yard Dogs, Beats Antique, Extra Action, Turks (thank you Ryan for passing the hat!), Sugar Butt Tiger, Cowboy Girlz, and of course, DJ Junkdrawer. A very special thank you to Flash — You are always an inspiration to us all.

All of you responded, without hesitation, with a resounding "Yes!" We were able to set a date and the line-up in less than one week. Thank you for your ready willingness to make this ultimate dream show happen.

Thank you to all who helped organize & worked the benefit & raffle table: Violet, D.A., Serena, Danny, Sister Mabel, Juliana, Che, Eric, Courtney for the bitchin' flyers, Leroy for many hours at the door and special thank you to Chris for working the door all night long!

Thank you Katy Bell for making the raffle a success, and for your ceaseless energy.

A big thank you to Simon Cheffins for making it all work on stage - the crazy schedule worked crazy good! And thank you Sal & Greg for the sound.

Thank you to all who donated exquisite, beautiful, & valuable raffle prizes. WOW. That's all I can think to say on this. WOW.

Thank you
Jon Schainker for the webcast & recording. Vanessa told me that she felt like she was being carried by the crowd all night as she watched. She was definitely with us at the benefit.

Thank you Mia & Tom for providing a bitchin' space, for all your help, for setting up the lovely bonus chill room, and for the refreshments. (Happy birthday, Mia!)

Thank you to all of you who came to the benefit and carried Vanessa with your positive energy all night. We could not have done this without you.

And thank you to all who could not make it to the benefit but love and support Vanessa in many ways.

A huge thank you to Dominic "D.A." for this blog!
Please continue to check in here for updates on Vanessa's healing.

All of you have made a huge difference in the life of a very special person.
Let's keep on doing it!
Please keep Vanessa in your thoughts, especially on Feb 22.

Vanessa, Amber D, Linda S, and I thank you all with all our hearts & eternal gratitude.

All my love,
Linda K

PS If anyone has any footage/photographs of the benefit, Vanessa would love to have it. Please contact Dominic at dominic.da@gmail.com."