Lori Gibbs

* E E E K ! *

2012-01-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, hi. I'm a bit excited. My first episode of CBC Radio's "The Debaters" just played on the radio. *gulp* It felt weird and silly, which fortunately is one of my favourite combinations. I imagined Canadian people hearing it, like Bruno Gerussi or Relic from The Beachcombers!! Could you imagine? Me too!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to thanks for listening if you did. If you didn't, you're dead to me.

Love,
Lori

* b e a u t i f u l *

2012-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Recently, I wanted to find a very personal gift for someone dear to me. A friend of mine had had some art done... interesting art. "Lettergrams." It is photos of letters found in nature, and you can spell out and customize any word/name you want! So cool! The one I ordered arrived today, and I'm in love with it.

Not only is the art creative, fresh and original, David is a delight to deal with. His personal touch and care really stands out, not to mention that he shipped it the day after I ordered it and it arrived in 2 business days. TWO! Wow!

Check out his site. I think you'll love it. www.atozillusions.com

Love,
Lori

* H A P P Y * E V E R Y T H I N G *

2011-12-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

If you're reading this - wait, that sounds like the beginning of a suicide note. "If you're reading this, I'm hanging from the beam in the garage, so watch your head when you take out the garbage!" Oh God, that's not how this was supposed to start!

I want to hang out with these guys.

Ahem... wasn't 2011 interesting? Personally, I have been savouring watching our boys grow up... seeing glimpses of who they will be as men. And I'm very proud. I'm proud of my husband and me giving them a supportive, peaceful, silly home in which to grow. I'm proud of the boys for their senses of self and their well-developed sense of empathy and compassion. I'm very lucky.

This year in comedy, I was given some opportunities that made me numb and happy. Besides the fact that I love my job, no matter how long the drive or how smelly the motel, I found myself opening for Gerry Dee at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, taping a Comedy Now special in Toronto, and taping an episode of The Debaters for CBC in Vancouver. I couldn't have predicted this life in my wildest dreams. I'm a 46-year-old chunky scrapbookin' Mom. Well kids, remember dreams come true, even if you start at age 40.

I know everyone says New Year's is a fresh start, but really, any moment of any day can be a fresh start. Don't pressure yourself to have OMG-THE-MOST-AMAZING-NIGHT tonight. NYE is a weird night. Just be somewhere where you feel comfy and connected to other humans.

Love,
Lori

* UPCOMING * PLAYDATES *

2011-12-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

It's hard to call what I do 'work' as my nephew reminded me. So, I'll be playing in these places in the near future. Hugs!

Dec 31        Yuk Yuks                Calgary, AB

Jan 14 Corporate function Vegreville, AB

Jan 20-21     Yuk Yuks                Edmonton, AB

Jan 25        Red Carpet Comedy       Calgary, AB 

Jan 26-28     Yuk Yuks                Calgary, AB

Feb 1         Jupiter Lounge          Calgary, AB

Feb 4         Corporate function      Kerrobert, SK

* M E R R Y * C H R I S T M A S *

2011-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

Dear beautiful humans,

I have much to blog about as Christmas fast approaches in 5 days. However, I'm not going to. Let's catch up in the New Year, shall we?

For now, I am wishing you a warm, cozy, silly Christmas and Hanukkah season. Nuzzle up to your family and friends, smile at strangers, sing in the grocery store, let people merge in traffic and hug everybody in your path.

Love love love ... Lori

* M I S T E R * D E E *

2011-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

I will not hyperventilate.

Once again, I realized I must have a horseshoe strategically placed on my person. A few weeks ago, my friend and comedian, Trent McClellan, texted me asking if I could emcee for Gerry Dee at the Jack Singer Concert Hall that weekend. Seriously? Seriously. I said, "Yes, thank you," which I believe may have sounded like, "EEEAAAAHHHHGGGGGAAEEEEÜOO!" and began savouring the anticipation.

The Googling began. I found out that the Jack Singer can seat 2059 people. I know. Why an odd number? Where's the symmetry in that? Once I arrived at the Jack Singer embarrassingly early (keener), I stood in the foyer with people waiting to see the show. My dear friend and comedian, Cory Mack, texted with a delightful surprise that she and her husband, Ian, would be at the show! Why yes, I do have excellent taste in friends. Thank you for noticing.

I know you'll never use this information for evil, but I can tell you that I may have walked up to the ushers and simply said, "Hello! I'm on the show tonight. Can you tell me where I can find the dressing rooms, please?" They may have kindly pointed me in the right direction. I may have wandered around backstage, side stage, in the basement, in a lounge and on the actual stage. At one point, I'm may have seen a staircase move and Ron Weasley may have winked at me. But obviously, nobody would ever use this information to go backstage and stalk Jann Arden (just a name out of the blue) or anything.


Trent & Danielle's "wedding"

At some point, Trent showed up and I felt more like myself because he's a good hugger and he had played the hall before. He is a positive force, is always smiling, and was featuring on the show as well. Oh also, no big deal, he was flying to the Dominican at midnight that night to run an errand which he referred to as "getting married." He's so dramatic.

His silly influence was just what I needed before the show. He told me that one of the weirdest things is how long a walk it is to get to the microphone. That is why I used a skateboard.

Gerry Dee came in and, like most comedians, was friendly and casual and - odd - a normal human being. Weeeeiiirrrd! I hadn't met him before, so I found it kind and trusting of him to take Trent's word for it and let some strange broad on the show. He probably believed Trent's "Oh, I have to leave right after my set to catch a plane to get married" story too. Pfft. Gerry was super friendly and positive and made me feel like a pro.

At some point, some official person said it was 2 minutes to showtime and that's when I realized I'd forgotten to wear pants. I quickly fashioned a pair from the brocade drapes in my dressing room while a gang of children sang, "Doe, a deer..." I immediately had Security remove them.

Most of the next bit, or "The Show" to be professional, was a happy, floaty blur. On my way from stage right to the microphone, I was able to do a nollie and a kickflip before I hit the half pipe and stuck the landing on my airwalk grab. I didn't ride goofy foot like usual because I wanted Trent to be able to follow me.

I personally think all three of us were hilariously funny even though some of you will claim it was the coke we snorted off the hookers' asses before the show talking. After the show, Trent was gone, of course. His commitment to a practical joke (the wedding) is tremendous.

Cory & Ian were in the lobby where we happily embraced and they fanned me with palm fronds as is standard in my performance rider. Then we got this great picture and I got paid. Yeah. Paid. I was just happy to have the chance to practice my boarding in an acoustically perfect concert hall. Bonus.

Watch for Gerry's new sitcom, Mr. D, premiering on January 9 on CBC.

www.gerrydee.com
www.trentscomedy.com
www.corymack.ca

Love,
Lori

* 9 D A Y S *

2011-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

But I don't wanna be a pirate!

I feel like I'm getting ready for a wedding. I'm taping my Comedy Now! in 9 measly days. Yesterday, I dedicated the afternoon to finding the perfect shoes. I came home with a rhinestone bracelet and ring. I am not good at this. However, it did occur to me while I was shoe shopping that there are no long close-ups of footwear on the show, so why spend money on new shoes? I was going to wear this black pirate-y blouse I have, but wardrobe says it might not work. I'm bringing an eye patch just in case. With rhinestones, obviously. When I stress about wardrobe, I remember Nikki Payne saying about her taping, "I looked like a Scottish hooker," and everything is put in perspective.

The discussions I've had with the TV people have been ridiculous. Emails about granny panties are my favourite. "So, did you in fact write the song and music?" "How large exactly are the giant panties?" "Do you need props to obtain the panties for you?" That was my favourite. Imagine being new on the job... "Oh, hey Todd. While you're out getting my soy latte, could you be a doll and pick up the largest pair or ladies cotton panties you can find? Thanks, hon." I bring my own panties (and write them off on my taxes - businesswoman, yo).

So, very excited. Somewhat giddy. Very surreal. Amanda Perrin says she's getting me drunk after the taping. Since I don't drink, I am nervous. Is drunk still the same as at grad parties in 1983?

Love,
Lori

* ( L E G A L L Y ) * H I G H !

2011-10-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly naive about drugs. That's not to say I didn't find Perocet to be downright heavenly when I had gall bladder attacks. Last week, a comedian friend of mine was talking to an audience member who liked his show. To show his appreciation, audience guy gave the comedian cocaine. Cocaine?! I held it in my hand and felt uncomfortable, like I did when I went to a shooting range and shot a Glock. Sweaty and weird and ill at ease. A discussion followed regarding what to do with the cocaine. "I'll throw it away." "No, you should flush it!" "Should I try it?" "No! It might be poison!" "Let's sell it!" "We'll go to jail!" I felt like I was in an episode of Degrassi Season 1.

What's my point? I haven't tried any hard drugs, but I daresay nothing could compete with the adrenaline of performing standup. It's pure, free, legal, contagious, exhilarating and there are no negative after effects. This video is me after getting high.

* Y E E E E E E *

2011-09-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi beautiful humans,

If you happen to be in Calgary on the first Wednesday of a month, do yourself a sweet favour and go see a Kaboom! Hooray show.

I joined the Kaboom family on their 4th show last night. From Big Al's pre-show pep talk to the free candy to the red devil paint smeared on my elbow to the nipple biting, it was like an amusement park ride slash super-fun kids birthday party slash frolic in a meadow. The outpouring of creativity from everyone involved was stunning, and the positive vibes and sincere camaraderie - delicious!

Go see a Kaboom show. Then send me flowers.

Love you,
Lori

* R E A P I N G * (not a typo, freak)

2011-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi love-filled humans,

Uh, I'm not disciplined/adult enough to keep a gratitude journal. I think it's a grand idea, but I'm lazy... except for today.

Things that kick ass in my life right now:

* CBC emailed and asked me to do an episode of The Debaters. Holy crap.
* Our fam vacation in Christina Lake was amazing and I want to go there every summer til I die.
* I'm taping a Comedy Now special in late October in Toronto. Seriously?
* My comedy mentors are my friends and they are endlessly generous, kind and supportive.
* My husband works his ass off and is an amazing cook. Thank God.
* I painted our cabin door purple and it makes me inordinately happy.

What's good in your life lately?

Lovesplosion,
Lori

* G R A B * B A G *

2011-08-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

Wait! No. Don't grab someone's bag [see title]. Unless it's hilarious.

I can either write a proper blog or do this. I vote 'this'*:

1. Summer is grand. Perhaps the contrast of climbing out of a black depression** in June makes it an even better summer. More gratitude. Less hermitude.
2. My boys are cool human beings. I love hearing their discussions when they don't know I'm listening.
3. I got a new pink scale that never shows one's weight. I like it. If/when there are results, I will brag.
4. I decided to pressure wash and re-stain the entire cabin. Turns out I panic on ladders. Awesome.
5. Soon going to BC to visit old friends that I've missed for years.

That's all. Love you,
Lori

* "this" is a lazyass way to write a blog
** hoping this comes across as factual rather than attention-seeking, but I'd take either

* B R E A T H I N G *

2011-07-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

Iliza & me somewhere amongst our collective hair

It's been way too long! I missed you. You look tanned... or tan. I've never figured out which one is correct, but I say tanned as if you're a supple pelt of fine Corinthian leather. Leather comes in pelts. Didn't you know?

Comedy slows down in the summer, and I've let myself be officially 'off duty.' Needed some time to get some personal stuff in perspective and make sure I'm ... [gasp] ... NORMAL. I assure you I am not. Phew.

Off duty right now means staying in a friend's house in La Quinta, California with my hubby and sweet boys. La Quinta is down the valley from Palm Springs. Some days, it has been 43 degrees C here (I think that's 116F). But it's a dry heat! Har har! We burn our feet on the pool deck if we don't scamper.

Last night, I drove into Hollywood on my own to visit my funny friend, Iliza Shlesinger. She was doing a set at the Hollywood Improv. It felt very exhilarating and surreal to drive down Melrose Avenue listening to Led Zeppelin. I shouldn't have been anxious about going to the Improv. Before Iliza arrived, I ran into three comedian pals! Old home week! So lovely.

Iliza's taping a dating show that will air in the fall called "Excused." I went to the set with her today and it was super interesting. Watching the process of finding the funny was my favourite part. Also, I walked into a shot where they were filming by accident. In my head, I pretended to be Consuela, the maid. Totally not embarassed (kill me).

It's 4:20 am (I wonder if the herbal people meant AM as well as PM), and I have no brain power to end this eloquently. Bye.

Love,
Lori

* M I L E S T O N E *

2011-05-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi lovebugs,

This weekend, I'll be headlining the Calgary Yuk Yuks for the first time. People have asked me how it feels. Well, it feels like any other gig... wonderful, heady, fun, exciting. But I get what they mean. It is a milestone. It will be an excellent scrapbook entry, I assure you. And I'd very much love for you to be there.

My first gig, 5 years ago, was at a women's healing retreat in Caroline, Alberta. I said tonight to a dear friend tonight, "I remember after that show. A woman told me her husband had died two years ago and that she hadn't laughed since then... until I did my 'comedy.'" (I put comedy in quotes because I had NO idea what I was doing) THAT is what this is about. THAT is what grounds me and reminds me why I do this. THAT is what I remember when I feel doubt or rejection. Laughter heals. So kickass.

Love,
Lori

* C O M E D Y * N O W ! *

2011-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

On April 11 at 4:32 p.m. (I checked the call display), as I was making Coq au Vin (chicken with red wine; much classier than what I usually throw together for supper) for the fam, the phone rang. As it was almost the dinner hour, and I didn't recognize the phone number, I assumed it was a phone solicitor and geared myself up to be a smart aleck to whoever was calling. It wasn't a phone solicitor.

Kathleen from Ottawa Yuk Yuks said hello and then said, "Lori, would you like to be on the 15th season of Comedy Now?" I don't remember what I said. I hope it was "yes." I felt a form of shock begin right in the centre of my belly and radiate out to the rest of me. I'm fairly sure that my mouth didn't close fully for the duration of the conversation.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and am very careful to not let my enormous head grow any larger (no, it's not mostly hair, it's mostly cranium I assure you). I have showcased lots of time for other opportunities and been passed over. And I will be again. And each time I don't get something, I have a period of rejection, and it hurts. A wise man put it simply: "You get what you get." One mustn't take the news, good or bad, personally. After feeling rejected time and time again, I have learned the lesson that what keeps me going in comedy is the love of it... the small town gigs I mentioned in my last blog, the old guy last night who bearhugged me and exclaimed, "I loved your skit!" (skit! classic!), the road trips with fascinating, hilarious comedians... comaraderie, silliness and love of our craft... taking someone away from their lives for a moment and seeing the smile on their face. It's gorgeous.

Grateful for all of it. Love,
Lori

* I CAN BREATHE IN A SMALL TOWN *

2011-04-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

"Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town

And people let me be just what I want to be."

- Small Town, John Cougar Mellencamp

Hello dear fellow humans,

I was reminded of the joy of performing comedy last night at a fundraiser in a small Albertan town. Working at comedy clubs is a hoot. People have paid money to see comedy. That gives you a leg up, and I completely enjoy it. But there's balance... give me a community hall, a quanset hut, a curling rink... give me your A&Ws, your Super 8s, your Racetrac gas stations. Fill up the hall with goodhearted, real folks, hit the lights and let's do this thing. Next time I'm fretting about a missed opportunity or obsessing that someone else got to do something I wanted to, I'll remember how good I felt at the small town gig. 80% trucks in the parking lot, beef on a bun at midnight and a silent auction with homemade crafts. See ya' on the road.

Love,
Lori

* C H O R T L E *

2011-04-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi! You look nice. I think the sunshine is agreeing with you. I had a nice little surprise today. A while back, I wrote an article for the Calgary Beacon entitled "Never Say This to a Comedian." I sent it to www.chortle.co.uk as well just for the fun of it and was delighted when they published it. Today, they advised me that it was the month's best correspondents piece and I won £75. Ain't that just a ray of sunshine? It's something I want Mom to put on her fridge.

Love,
Lori

* D E - B L O B *

2011-04-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hi loverpants,

Just got home today from Spring Break in Palm Springs, CA. Man, I love California. The winter here in Cowtown had been slowly making me a depressed, unmoving, slightly-reclusive COUCH BLOB and I didn't realize it until I started de-blobbing in Cali (that's how the gangstas say it, yo). It is really easy to stay on a couch under my fave quilt (made of my kids' old flannel pyjamas that Grandma made) when it's minus-whatever degrees out there. However, I find when there's a damn POOL in my backyard, I'm a rolicking, frolicking Aquabelle. I probably moved more in the last week than I have all winter, and I want to keep doing it. I may go to a *shudder* gym, which kind of makes me want to vomit, but I can't go full metal blob any more. If you have any tips for a beginner de-blobber, please share!

Love,
Lori

* 5 * T H I N G S *

2011-03-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hi loveheads,


Me : : Bobscratch Goldfarb

1. It's almost Spring Break. This winter has felt like a marathon in several ways although that's not meant to sound negative. For the first two or three days of Spring Break, I plan to lay limply, watch clouds, drink coffee and lapse into sleep several times a day. After that, who knows? I will be the Nap Champion. Believe it.

2. I hope Charlie Sheen will be okay.

3. My friend, Karen O'Keefe, is moving to Toronto. She is a talented comedian. She will have more opportunities there. Selfishly, I don't want her to go. We started comedy within five months of each other. That makes a bond. Being females in a male-dominated industry makes another bond. Doing a gig for 200 drunk oil workers in Brooks bonds the bonds. I'll miss her.

4. Bobcat Goldthwait headlined Yuk Yuks this past weekend and I opened for him. It was awesome. He was awesome. Not only is he hilarious, he is warm, kind, smiley and says "snapadeedoo!" This makes me very happy. I'm so lucky.

5. I like my Mom. A lot.

Love,
Lori

* NO THANKS. I'D RATHER DRIVE *

2011-03-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for a road trip. Last week, I treated myself by flying up north for a gig using my Airmiles. Why I thought flying Air Canada was a "treat" I will never know. Dear lord, how I wish the Westjet employees would start a mentorship program for the Air Canada employees.

Jeff Toth : Chris Gordon : Ian Wallace : Mario Lopez

But tomorrow, it's back on the road, and I'm sharing the journey with two excellent gentlemen - Ian Wallace and Mario Lopez. They are both very talented and lovely in very different ways and I'm excited about putting on a wonderful show with the both of them. I hope they let me sing loudly and passionately in the car.

Love,
Lori

* THE OSCARZZZZZ ... *

2011-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi loveheads,

Your aura is particularly sparkly today. Thank you for that.

Sorry if you watched the Oscars last night. I'm hoping my recap of the event might be slightly more entertaining than the event itself. Have a gander?

http://www.calgarybeacon.com/2011/02/the-oscarzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz/#more-42899

Love,
Lori

* COMEDY FAMILY *

2011-02-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

I love my comedy family. On Thursday, a pile of us showcased for "Comedy Now" and everybody did such an amazing job. The best part of the night was the feeling of family, support, camaraderie and friendship. I adore what we have here as fellow comedians.

Then last night, another pile of us went to Yuk Yuks to watch a screening of "The Inside Joke"* together. It was done so well by producer, Robyn Gallant! It was cool to watch it in a group and see our friends on the screen. Scott and Angie even made popcorn for us! Most of the show, I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face purely from savoring the experience, the friends, and the interesting things I get to do in my life. I didn't count on any of this. And I'm tickled.

Love,
Lori

* "The Inside Joke" will be airing on Shaw Cable 10 in Calgary every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday til the end of March. 9:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 pm on Tuesdays.

* LOOK, MA! I'M ON THE SQUAWK BOX! *

2011-02-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Premiere of “The Inside Joke”

In November and December of 2010, a crew from Shaw TV was busy filming several local comedians and their sets in an effort to produce a documentary about stand-up in Calgary. After a couple of months of editing the final product is ready to go!

The hour-long documentary is called “The Inside Joke” and will be airing on SHAW (Cable 10 in Calgary) a couple of times a week for several weeks starting with its premiere on Saturday, February 19 at 9:00PM. After that, you can check your SHAW listings or their Facebook page to see when it will be re-airing (and it will hopefully find its way to Video On Demand – though the jury is still out on that one).

If you’d like to experience all the fun of a Hollywood movie premiere without the narcissism of actual celebrities, you can join a number of the members of Calgary’s comedy community (including most of the people in the documentary) for a special screening party on Sunday, February 20 at 7:00PM. The host venue will be the Calgary Yuk Yuk’s (in The Elbow River Casino). Doors will open at 5:30PM for drinks and mingling. We want as many people to see it as possible, so it’s a free event.

As a small spoiler we can tell you the names of the comedians involved in the project. You’ll see Jeff Kubik, Mario Lopez, Lori Gibbs, Karen O’Keefe, Donovan Deschner, and Cris Nannarone.

Hopefully you’ll be able to see this documentary in the coming weeks as it is truly a great look at comedy in the city and comedy in general.

* SHOPPING MAKES ME DEAD INSIDE / HAPPY VALENTINES DAY *

2011-02-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Hi loveheads,

Malls suck the life out of me. Whether you are the same or not, you will receive many crowns in heaven for reading my latest article about ... ugh... home parties. Here is it!

http://www.calgarybeacon.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day-tales-from-the-sex-party-circuit/#more-41525

Happy Valentines Day. Remember, the only love affair that matters when all is said and done is the one we have with ourselves. Who wrote that? ME! I did! Please cross stitch on a pillow immediately.

Love,
Lori

* I'M A STALKER! AND SO ARE YOU! *

2011-02-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Happy early Valentine's Day, loveheads. The Calgary Beacon let me write another article for them this week (thank you, Markham), and I'd love for you to have a quick read and let me know your thoughts! Click this link:

Comedian Confesses Love for Facebook - and Stalking

Undying love and admiration for all eternity,
Lori

* LOOK, MA! I WROTE AN ARTICLE! *

2011-02-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah, it's not the cover of the Rolling Stone, but it was fun to write and like most attention-seekers, I do so enjoy seeing my name in print. Have a read, won't you?

"Toddlers & Tiaras" kids in the future - It Ain't Pretty"

* LIKE, REAL MATURE! *

2011-01-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

So, I have an isssssue. I like to say it with a long "S" because it sounds more amusing. There are a couple of amateur comedians in the scene these days who, shall we say, are more than enthusiastic. Normally, I adore enthusiasm. One of my favourite quotes is: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Walter Chrysler

But their enthusiasm often borders on delusional. They talk as if they're been in the industry for decades, they give themselves fake credits and bios, they are full of hype with nothing to back it up. In many ways, they are disrespecting comedy, and I finally realized that is my issue with it. Comedy is my love and they are slapping its face. I look to my mentors in comedy and realize they don't get upset by this behaviour. They know better. I can't imagine how many people they've seen come and go on the scene.

I asked myself, "Am I insecure because of these people?" I don't think so. When my comrades in arms who also love comedy (this is key) get good news, career breaks, etc., I am honest to goodness thrilled for them. Of course my ego whimpers, which I often admit to their faces, and I push it back down and concentrate on the success of my friends knowing that operating from a sense of lack is unwise.

But before I ramble incessantly... I found myself visiting the amateurs' Facebook pages daily to see what craziness they were claiming now. And then I would get in a fluster. Then I would gossip. Then I decided to be a snitch more mature and evolved and stop it. Who am I to judge their process and experience? A wise woman would look inside and ask why she was so riled up about it rather than criticize another. Which reminds me of this gem: "You see a lot, Dr. Lecter. But are you strong enough to point that high-powered perception at your self?" - Clarice Starling, Silence of the Lambs

I'm not wholly mature by any stretch of the imagination though. I deleted a couple of them from Facebook... not because of them, because of me. Having the opportunity to check in on them daily is too easy. I'm not that strong. I have an addictive personality (oh and by the way, name one person who doesn't). By making it impossible to check, I stop the immature cycle I was on and end up focusing on something more positive.

If I'm ever this mature with snacks, imagine the cheekbones! Signing off, hopefully slightly more evolved and loving...

Lori

* NO PAPARAZZI ! *

2011-01-25T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hello loveheads,

Tomorrow (Wednesday, January 26th) is the first Red Carpet Comedy of 2011. Red Carpet is a great room run by my hilarious and super-hardworking friend, Donovan Deschner. It's all pro comedians trying all-new material. I think it gives the audience a cool, unique look at the creation of material, and it's nice as a performer to feel that "Oh, crap! I don't know if any of this is going to work" feeling with everybody else on the show. Come on down and enjoy the laughs and the train wrecks, both of which I intend to have in my set.

Love,
Lori

A Poem

2011-01-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

8-hour drives. Redneck bars. Drunk hecklers.
Dilapidated motels. Shitty money. Dinner at 7-11.
Stained bedspreads. Constant judgement.
Cordless fucking mike with dying batteries.
No benefits. No retirement plan.
Rejection. Rejection. Rejection.
Hours from home, sweet home. Alone.
Frozen cars, black ice, white-outs.
Dead-eyed corporates.
BJ Woodbury, Stan Thomson, Stu-fucking-Hughes.

And we love it.
We LOVE it.

Do you get that the chance to hear you laugh is worth all of it?
Do you get that the privilege of taking you away from the stress of your life fills our souls?
Do you get that your face, in that moment just before you laugh, is exquisite?
Does that sound corny to you?
I don't care.

Envy and impatience. Disappointment and isolation.
Frustration. Insecurity. Loneliness.
Don't fight them.
They are gifts to remind us of our need to grow.

Bitterness has no place here.
Hate has no place here.

Comedy is about love.
Love of humanity.
Of passion.
Of release.
Of healing.
Of connection.
Connecting minds and souls and hearts
Over beer and wings and dick jokes.

Comedy is about love.
It's all about love.

* In Honour of Jocko Alston and his Family *

2011-01-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, January 15 at 8:30 a.m., Russell Bowers of Daybreak on CBC Radio talks to Trent McClellan and me about some fond memories of comedian and friend, Jocko Alston, who passed away suddenly on December 21, 2010. A fundraiser for Jocko's family - Going to Heaven Sunday - is being held on Sunday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. at Balance Lounge in Calgary.

Donations to Jocko's family can be made at Jocko's website.

RUNNIN' BACK TO SASKATOON...

2011-01-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hi beauties! Believe it or not, I would be running back to Saskatoon if I wasn't soaking up the hubby and kids really hard right now after being away. Why? Well, the whole Saskatchewan casino run was a beaut! Yeah, the roads were bad here and there, but the venues and hotels were grand! And everything is even sparklier when in the company of Karen O'Keefe and Allyson Smith*, two talented, hilarious, hardworking, inside-and-out beautiful women. More than that... they're my friends!

Special thanks to Pam who took such amazing care of and boasted the best green room snacks, and to Corla and her Splurge Group. I felt a kinship to these ladies! Corla stalked the three of us comedians before the show, so we knew she was coming and she even marketed the show on her blog. Also... I think this is so cool... Corla's going to be on Dragon's Den in February with a very cool idea. I won't spill the beans though. (I'm sure she'll have the exact date on her website)

Oh, and big love to Brandon and Dustin at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon! They played a game of "who can upgrade the ladies the most" and we were spoiled rotten!

Thanks, lovely people of Saskatchewan! Hope to see you soon.

Love,

Lori

* Allyson's new site will be up soon!

* HOPELESSLY DEVOTED *

2011-01-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Jan. 5, three comediennes will converge in Regina, Saskatchewan and proceed to gig at four different venues on four nights. We are: Allyson Smith (www.asmithcomedy.com), Karen O'Keefe (www.karenokeefe.net) and me! I'm fairly sure this is the first time I will be on the road with two other skirts, and I'm excited. Yes, it will be as glamorous as the sleepover scene in Grease. Every night. If you're in Yorkton, Regina, Swift Current or North Battleford, well hell, get yourselves out to the shows!

Love,
Lori

* W H O A ! *

2010-12-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

I'm pumping in the Cold FX so I can be perky and un-snotty for New Year's Eve in Cold Lake with Marcus Beaubier. In other news, ever since the full moon/Solstice/eclipse, negative and slightly off-balance people and events have been surrounding me. Odd. Must be a reminder to focus on the positive people, and man, oh man, am I happy to say there are a lot of them in my life! Thanks, beauties.

Love,
Lori

* J O C K O *

2010-12-24T21:36:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jocko Alston, died suddenly three days ago from a heart attack. He was 44. He was a father, a gentleman, a comedian and a kind, positive man.

Earlier this year, Jocko needed a lift to Calgary from Edmonton and posted the request on Facebook. Good luck! Karen O'Keefe and I were gigging in Stony Plain, so we picked him up the next day for the ride home. He raved about 7-11 coffee (seriously???) and went through iPod. Every few minutes from the back seat, "No way!! The Time? Jungle Love! No way! Cameo? Word Up! Lori, you are a sister!"

Just a few weeks ago, a few of us met for lunch with Jocko. We exchanged 'merch.' He got a Balls t-shirt, I got his new DVD. We talked, we laughed, he ordered two desserts and shared them with Angela and me. Afterward, he asked for a lift to the toy store. I can't turn down a toy store trip, so we went to Toys R Us and helped each other find things for our respective kids. It was good. I dropped him at the C-Train station with detailed instructions how to get to the stop near Daryl's house. We hugged. I texted Daryl that 'our boy' was on his way home.

Jocko leaving this earth so soon and so suddenly has affected so many. The love and positivity he spread on this earth was a gift, and I won't forget it. I think the best way to honour Jocko would be to spread joy, love and laughter... like he did. Miss you, Jocko. You had me at "o-e-o-e-o."

Love,
Lori

* LG ROCKS YOUR CITY *

2010-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

Lori Gibbs Rocks Your City! And I didn't even have to ask them for the marketing campaign! Yay!

* HOME * STRETCH *

2010-12-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

December 14: Lethbridge AB
December 16-18: Calgary Yuk Yuks

This afternoon, I'm heading to Lethbridge with my friend, Dan Guiry. The reunion of Meat & Potatoes! If you don't know why we call ourselves that, it's mostly a physical reference. It should be an excellent, silly time no matter how the show goes.

My last shows before Christmas are this weekend at Calgary Yuk Yuks; December 16-18. I believe the 8:00 pm shows on Fri/Sat are sold out, but there is still some room at the Thursday 8:00 show and the 10:30 pm shows Fri/Sat. Message me lorigibbs@shaw.ca or call the box office at 403.258.2028. It's going to be punchy, goofy, ridiculous and a whack of fun.

Ooh, and I'll still be helping you avoid the mall for Christmas shopping by pushing shirts on you for a mere $20! Santa said he wants you going Tits to the Bricks and Balls to the Wall this year if you want your stocking stuffed.

Merry sparkles,
Lori

* C A Y A Y I N *

2010-12-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

When my big bro and I were acting particularly out of control, I remember my Mom would say, "You kids, stop cayayin' around!" I just thought of that as I sit in my Edmonton hotel room listening to Jungle Love by The Time. No, there's no connection. I'm being random, as the kids say.

Anyhoo, I just spent an inordinate of time (3.5 minutes) researching 'cayayin' on the Internet. Nothing. Tried all kinds of spellings. Closest I came was 'kayaking' and that's not what my bro and I were doing. You can't put a kayak in a rumpus room. Did your family call it a rumpus room? Lordy, I miss those old words almost as much as rollin' cigarettes for Gram and Gramps so they had enough smokes for the meat draw at the Legion.

This post was supposed to be about... oh crap, I forget now. It was something about being in Edmonton doing shows with Jay Brown and Mario Lopez and loving the two shows last night. There was a lot of offstage singing, dancing and hugging. Jay Brown's guitar work is A-MAZ-ING. Tonight I'll have to remember to lift my chin off the floor.

When I remember what the hell I was going to write about, I'll be back. Just kidding. I'll never remember. I'm over 40.

Love you,
Lori

7 MINUTES OF SILLY

2010-12-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I did a showcase for the Just For Laughs festival with a delightful and very talented gaggle of Albertan comics. I could tell you about it, or you could sit back and have a look:

Hope you had a giggle or a snort. There are a few more videos here: www.youtube.com/lorihasfun.

STAY * OUT * OF * THE * MALL!

2010-12-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

Hi lovelies,

I'll be at the Edmonton Yuk Yuks this coming weekend: December 10-12, and at the Calgary Yuk Yuks December 16-18. If you're in the area, shoot me a message and let me know you're coming: lorigibbs@shaw.ca.

In addition to jokes, I'll be pushing Balls to the Wall and Tits to the Bricks shirts on you. Why? To save you from Christmas shopping at the mall, of course! That's right. I'm a giver. You're welcome. $20 each for these sassy fashion statements. You are such a badass!

Love,
Lori

C O N T E N T M E N T

2010-12-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

www.elkwaterlakelodge.com

This weekend's accommodations were so beautiful it was akin to winning the road lottery. Every questionable motel I've stayed in for the past several years was worth it to get to stay here once. I stayed in the Cypress Hills area of Southeastern Alberta at the magnificent Elkwater Lake Lodge. Elkwater is a tiny town. It took five minutes to drive around it and I was tickled to see three deer at the lake who were more than happy for me to take their photos.

Due to a fortunate chain of events, the front desk clerk booked me into a one-bedroom condo. I don't know if it was the weather, the planets' alignment, the soaker tub (I had five baths in two days), the deer, the condo, the beauty or the time of year, but I've never felt so deeply contented on the road.

Have you ever stayed somewhere so perfectly in line with what you enjoy that you have little daydreams that you live there? It was that kind of place.

It's kind of funny to go "to work" for the weekend and feel so nicely rested afterward. But more than that... content. Relaxed. Peaceful. There's always so much to be grateful for, isn't there? *smiling*

Love,
Lori

NO F-BOMBS!

2010-12-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hi loveheads,

It's corporate season in the World of Comedy. Corporates can be amazing. Even when they're not, the paycheque heals any residual pain. Outside a corporate last weekend, I was chatting to a man who worked for "the company." He was asking about doing comedy and if corporates were good gigs. Being Positive Patsy, I said yes, then I added with a smile, "Sometimes it's difficult because people did not come out specifically to see comedy and they might be guarded and afraid to let go and have a good time because they are with their boss and coworkers." It's sociologically fascinating to tell a joke, see a group of people stealthily steal a glance at the boss, determine if he thinks it was funny, and then react in, what they deem, an appropriate way. I am aware there were too many commas in that sentence.

After I said that, the man chortled, threw his head back and laughed, then said, "Oh, you won't have that problem here! We're a great group. Tons of fun." By the way, every company thinks that. I naively believed him. Apparently I was speaking to one of the two people at the party who were fun and who loved comedy. The rest were the Happy Inaudibles as I like to call them. You can see them smiling and nodding, but their corporate filter has blocked any audible sound from emitting from their mouths (or any other orifice likely, come to think of it).

The gig sheets are wonderfully amusing for these too. "Corporate party. Edgy is okay, but nothing over the top." "Risque is fine, but no rape or abortion." I wonder if, when Aerosmith was starting out, they got gig sheets that said, "Dream On is fine, but no Big Ten Inch-bombs. Change any sexually themed lyrics to family-friendly." I don't believe I'm Aerosmith (just the hair).

Off to a corporate. Fuck yeah! (I'm fired)

THE ROAD

2010-11-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I drove to Brandon, Manitoba for three lovely nights of gigging. The roads, I could do without. A shwack of a snowstorm hit hard on Wednesday. We were due to leave Thursday morning early to make the 11 hour road trip to Brandon. My husband suggested we get a head start Wednesday night. Did I mention he's very wise in the ways of the road? He is. The other comedian and I drove from 7pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday and stopped in Swiftcurrent. Thank heavens the venue owners recognized the Drive from Hell and agreed to put us up for the night to get there safely. By the time we got to Brandon, the drive had been 15 hours... 13.5 of which were road hell. Blowing snow, ice, white-out conditions almost constantly. I've driven on worse roads, but never for so many hours in a row. My brain was fried. So, it was nice to be able to cozy up in Brandon in a nice hotel for a few days. The drive home was only (ha!) 12 hours, the last two of which threw black ice in my face. Yay! But... we arrived, we delivered the guffaws, and we are ALIVE!! Woo!

This weekend seems like a cakewalk in terms of road comparison! Drayton Valley was Thursday on a flatbed truck stage. It was amazing. Big shout out to the kind folks in Drayton Valley.

Last night, we were in Edmonton at a corporate. Corporates can be awesome. Then there are the ones where everybody feels obliged to be there and is afraid to laugh or cut loose for fear of slipping into inappropriateness in front of their boss. Sigh.

Tonight, Hinton! We checked out the room when we rolled into town. Big huge hall, great table setup, decent sound and lights, and they've sold it out - 300 people. It has the makings of a ball of fun. Fingers crossed.

Stay safe and warm, loveheads,
Lori

C E L L * H E L L

2010-11-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

A Barbie girl in the front row couldn't ignore her phone. It may have ended up in my bra...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cvWKh_BL2M

* T O R O N T O * L O V E *

2010-11-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

Hey lovelies! I have a crashing ear infection and am currently drugged up on Tylenol 3s. What better time to blog, right?

Toronto: seriously, more amazing than I could've imagined. The best and most touching part was the love. There are many generous, talented, kind and extraordinary people in this world who happen to be comedians. There was one morning in Toronto where I was so overwhelmed with how kind people were being that I actually had a big, awesome cry over the kitchen sink. It was GREAT. When you're crying for that reason, you wanna milk it for all its worth.

My home for my mini-tour was with Nikki and her 7-pound Yorkie, Emillio Estevez. Watching a pro stay disciplined with work every day of the week was fascinating to me. I should act that way more often! My home base was a soft place to fall with a lot of laughter, kindness, warmth and tongue kisses up my nose (the dog, people... the dog).

I performed at Niagara Yuk Yuks, Vaughan Yuk Yuks, The Rivoli, Eton House, Spirits and in a town called Saint Thomas. It was adrenaline-filled... exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.

Jo-Anna touched me very deeply by asking me which friends I would like on the shows at Eton House and Spirits. Eton House seemed to be a show with people that have generously given me their time, their wisdom and their friendship: Nikki, Kenny, Gilson, Rob, Jo-Anna herself. The love continued at Spirits where I was graced with the presence of Martha, Danny, Mark, Darren, Anna, Simon, Claire, Megan, Cal, Jo-Anna, Nathan, Bobby. Sheesh, I know I'm going to forget somebody. Agh.

I broke bread with some sweet friends as well. Lunches and such with Kathleen, Jason, Martha, Steven, Roy and Elaine. Honestly, I felt so fabulously spoiled in the best possible way.

I am slightly regretful that I didn't see Niagara Falls, especially when I found out how close I was. However, that sort of amuses me as well; that I was there three nights in a row and didn't see it. It's for another time, maybe with the family some day.

My birthday began in an Ultramar gas station somewhere on the 401 with Nikki and Derek and man, did we laugh! It was a bit of a hell ride getting home from the gig that night, so we were already a bit punchy. Having 'Happy Birthday' sung to you in front of strangers in a gas station at midnight is very special. Don't knock it til you try it.

This has been Part 1. I know I'm forgetting things. But remember, I'm drugged? Yeah! I just remembered too. I have to lay down. *grin*

Love,
Lori

H O M E * A G A I N

2010-10-31T21:30:00.001-07:00

Hi loveheads,
I just got home from my Toronto area tour a couple of hours ago and immediately took one of my boys out trick or treating. The trip was amazing and I have honorable intentions of writing masterful masterpieces about it here. Stay tuned to see if it happens. This broad doesn't normally gig 11 nights in a row! Zzzzzz!
Love,
Lori

I * K N E W * I T

2010-10-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Intellectually, I knew I'd enjoy Toronto. Now I have the proof. However, I shouldn't give the city all the credit. It's the kind friends in it that have made it a joy thus far. I'm one lucky broad.

Love,
Lori

T H E B I G S M O K E

2010-10-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Toronto on Wednesday to do shows at the Niagara & Vaughan Yuk Yuks and several open mikes in Toronto. I am excited, nervous, fluttery, daunted, determined and giddy. I hope I'm funny East of home. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people (mostly comedians) from Toronto over the past few years that I feel as if I'm landing in a pile of hugs. Yet I also feel I have to prove myself because sometimes "the West" seems so far removed from the hive of comedy activity in TO. Is that weird?

Love,
Lori

I'M NOT A STALKER

2010-10-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday and Saturday, I was tickled to be the MC at Calgary Yuk Yuk for headliner, Iliza Shlesinger. She won a little show called Last Comic Standing in 2008. First woman to win. Youngest winner ever. I had the good luck to meet her earlier this year at Yuk Yuks and I so enjoyed her. Getting to work with her this weekend was a hoot. I felt slightly star struck at first, but she is so real and genuine that it can't last. She is smart, funny and genuine and brings cupcakes and cookies to the staff. If you haven't seen her perform, please do. It's a treat.

COMEDY 4 CAMBODIA

2010-10-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last night was a lovely fundraiser for Carpenters4Cambodia, a group of three humble, gentle, talented men who freely give their time and their hearts to the children of Cambodia. They build schools for the poor, the forgotten, the neglected, and the orphaned. The carpenters are Jamie Moorhouse, Todd Enquist, and my brother, Mike Higgins. http://carpenters4cambodia.weebly.com/

When they approached me about a comedy fundraiser, I thought it was an amazing idea. I quickly starting e-mailing my comedian friends to see who could donate their time and talent to the evening. Every single comedian I asked said yes. My heart swelled like in that scene in The Grinch. So, to Ian Wallace, Jeff Toth, Jasen Fredrickson, Chris Gordon, Mario Lopez, Marcus Beaubier & Jeremy Furlong... thank you.

It gives me renewed faith in comedy and the industry itself when we come together as our authentic comedian selves who do what we do because we truly believe that the laughter and joy we bring has a healing effect on the world in general.

Yep, full of love again,
Lori

I N S P I R I N G

2010-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

A lovely man named Mark is now A Guy at Home in His Underwear. He’s got 25 days to raise $25,000 for testicular cancer awareness, one facebook friend at a time. And for every 'LIKE' on Facebook, Stanfield’s will donate $1 to The Canadian Cancer Society in support of testicular cancer awareness.Here's the link to 'like': http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=437993387642&set=a.437993367642.236945.535147642&ref=nf#!/guyathome

You can watch him live at www.guyathome.com! Such a cool, original, generous thing to do! Good luck, Mark.

W H E E Z Y

2010-10-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had a gig in Revelstoke with two lovely comedians. I had a cold when we left town, and it really decided to blossom into its own snotty monument to sickness by the time we got there. I had a wicked nap then did the show, where being sick made me sweat more than I already do, which is considerable. It's my special gift.

I went to bed early and started hacking. Then I realized I was wheezing. Then I remembered, "Oh crrrrap, I have asthma." I'm the worst asthmatic ever. I continually I forget I have it as it almost never bothers me. Hence, I don't usually have inhalers nearby. I laid in bed trying to use mind control to stop wheezing. I Googled "asthma attack, no inhalers" where I read that caffeine can help, so at 2:00 a.m., I put on a pot of coffee. Then I remembered that my comedy cohort had asthma too. I had already fought with myself in my head for an hour wondering if I should text him to borrow his inhaler. I finally gave in. I hated to wake him, but breathing seemed like a reasonable priority. Like an angel in a white bathrobe, he brought over his inhaler. Oh, sweet relief. Within 15 minutes, I was feeling much better.

I often hold comedian camaraderie close to my heart, and this was another shining example. So, even though I'm home now with a gross cold, I smile when I think of 2:00 a.m. inhaler deliveries.

Love you, but don't kiss me. I'm gross.
Lori

HAD FUN

2010-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hi loveheads,
Just emceed at Calgary Yuk Yuks for the weekend. Thanks to everybody who was part of it. So much love onstage and offstage. Do you even know how amazing the staff are there? I do. And it rocks my world. Lots of my beautiful comedian friends came out. Seeing them and enjoying them puts my world back in balance. I feel like me again. And to every audience member, whether you were the awesome table of dudes that are regulars and sit stage left and epitomize what a good comedy club audience member is, or whether you were the chatty barstars in the front row that needed tuning in, I'm glad you were there. It wouldn't be the same without you.

Yep, you know it...love,
Lori

I'M MATURE

2010-09-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

Created by Oatmeal

P L A Y D A T E

2010-09-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hi loveheads,

I'll be your MC and lube this coming weekend at the Calgary Yuk Yuks in the Elbow River Casino. Headliner Stan Thomson with Jeff Toth opening. Let's make it a playdate, chuh? September 23-25. Shows at 8:00 every night with late shows at 10:30 on Friday and Saturday.

Mwah mwah mwah mwah mwah!
Lori

G I G G E T Y

2010-09-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

I had to Google 'giggety' to check the spelling. Spelling is important to me, as evidenced by the silver dollar glued onto the block of wood on my dresser, a.k.a my Grade 2 Spelling Award. But you didn't come over to hear about my speeling*. I had a moment today where it started to sink in that my comedy fall/winter season is about to swing into high gear. My first mini-tour in the Toronto area is at the end of October. So exciting. It's nice to have a nationwide family of comedians to learn from, admire and mooch from.

Love on and on,
Lori

* I know

Ode to a Mother in September

2010-09-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

The kids went back to school. Every night lately, I think about all I will accomplish every day.

Oh yes, I can see it clearly. I shall rise BEFORE the children wake so I can prepare them a nutritious, hot, healthy breakfast. Naturally, I will get a couple of loads of laundry done simultaneously. Magically, I will be showered and coiffed before any of this occurs. Once the lads have scampered off to school with their homework done to perfection and hair combed a la "the Beav," I will toss my apron aside.

Naturally, three days a week, I will faithfully go to the gym in the morning. After that, I will don my casual slacks and Northern Reflections shirt with quilted vest and tackle my domestic errands for the day. From 1-3 daily, I will sit focussed and write comedy material, keeping it perfectly catalogued and organized at all times. Email, texts and Facebook will not distract me in the least. I am disciplined and mature and have little time for such dalliances during my career-driven Creative Time.

Energized and feeilng my chakras have aligned from the quality writing time, I shall allow myself some computer time. My surfing will be dominated by recipe sites, obviously, as the dinner hour approaches. All dinners will be made from scratch from organic ingredients with all food groups represented lovingly. Things will be garnished.

On my days off from the gym, I will do soul-filling volunteer work with children and the elderly when I am not researching and documenting the family tree for generations to come and getting a head start on Christmas shopping and trying to avoid run-on sentences.

* The above has never occurred, yet it remains a recurring daydream in my head brought to the fore every September.

Comedy with Icing

2010-08-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

I emceed a fundraiser last night. The proceeds were to help raise money for a stand-up wheelchair for a lovely woman. Her daughter arranged the fundraiser with the help of a comedian friend of mine. It's always a hit, a shot in the arm, an adrenaline dose and a kick to do comedy. Let me tell you, when you get to see the emotion on the faces of people who are affected by such an event, it's a wicked dollop of icing on an already tasty cake. The energy in the room was strong and good and supportive. Every performer fed off of it and did an amazing job. What a privilege.

Keep that love ripple effect going, loveheads,
Lori

Ahh, AUGUST

2010-08-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hi beauties,

Summer's starting to wind down. Weird, hey? As a Mom, I always find the beginning of July is my absolute favourite part of summer. No waking up to an alarm, no driving anyone to school, no finding lunch money on the floor of the car. Just thinking about a blank day on the calendar is intoxicating. Then by the end of August, I'm looking forward to structure and predictability again. Don't tell anybody, ok? I have a reputation for being spontaneous and laidback.

Comedy inevitably slows down in the summer and as much as I try to play it cool, I'm inwardly shaking like an addict desperate for a fix. Don't tell anybody, ok? I did a guest spot on Thursday because I hadn't been on stage for two weeks. I wanted to shake off a little rust, but I really wanted a hit of adrenaline. The crowd was small, laidback and subdued. There were maybe three people who allowed their amusement to be audible. IT SOOO DIDN'T MATTER. I love being on stage telling jokes. It's so joy-producing for me that a quiet crowd can't take the shine off the experience. I kind of love that.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. I'll be looking forward to the smell of autumn, a bit of structure and more time frolicking on stage.

Love!

SOAKING IT IN

2010-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Just back from a family trip to the coast of B.C. So good to see the rest of my family. The ocean cast its spell on me again. I stand staring at it trying to breathe enough of it into me that I can recall it when I'm back on the prairies. When I was a teenager, I worked on Keats Island at camp and first heard this song while surrounded by the sea. I hope you enjoy it.

Downstream by Supertramp

Took a boat Sunday, down by the sea
It just felt so nice, you and me
We didn't have a problem or a care
And all around was silence, everywhere.
You are the reason I was born
Be with you through all seasons
I'll always hear you when call
We'll keep the love light shining
Through each night and day
A lonely life behind me
Oh, what a change you've made
So down here by the ocean we will stay
Went through a lot of changes
Turned a lot of pages
When I took a boat Sunday.
To know you as I know you now
That is all I need
And we will get along somehow
If we both believe
So down here on the ocean, we will stay
Went through a lot of changes
Turned a lot of pages
When I took a boat Sunday.

Very Superstitious... Sing it!

2010-07-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Up in Edmonton doing Yuk Yuks. Last night's show was a bushel of fun and sparkles. The early show tonight was a bit o' work. I'm changing my shirt between shows. I'm sure that will make all the difference.

Dorkily,
Lori

E - T O W N

2010-07-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hi loveheads. I'm headed up ye olde highway 2 on Friday with funny men friends, Dan Guiry & Scott Dumas. I hope I have enough room in my car for the guitars. We'll be at the Yuk Yuks in the Century Casino on Fort Road, Friday 8:00, Saturday 8:00 & 10:30. If you can't make it, maybe we'll see you on the highway. We'll be singing. Feel free to jump in and harmonize.

Love,
Lori

G I D D Y

2010-07-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dan Guiry & I are sharing our first ever city Yuk Yuks co-feature. I have him to thank for it as he requested me. So ironic considering we got off to a horrid start four years ago. I've come to realize that Dan is a lovely human being who often says, "Hey... I'm an a$$hole!" with a hint of pride and shame at the same time. We joked a long time ago that if we ever toured, we'd call it the Meat & Potatoes tour, based almost solely on our physical appearances. Thanks, Dan, for this weekend and for the fun, tragic and maxi-padded times we've had together... and especially for the making up of lyrics on the fly. Home...

Thank you to everybody coming out to the shows. Knowing you're there buoys me up even more than usual, and I love the energy you bring to the room.

Love,
Lori

INSENSITIVE INSPIRATION

2010-07-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today I am re-writing Jann Arden lyrics into a bit. I love my life... and you, for reading.

Love,
Lori

HAPPY SUMMER ROAD TRIP

2010-07-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Gig was in Vernon last night. It's amazing enough to get to do standup comedy, but then when your comedy cake is frosted with a gorgeous drive through the Rocky Mountains with funny and interesting people, Jeff Toth & Katryna Chan, it's even better. Then you meet James Moore there and he is the cherry on the Black Forest cake. Thanks, universe.

Love,
Lori

HALF-SIMMERED THOUGHTS

2010-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

James Moore, who runs the nationally-recognized Comedy Monday Night in Calgary, asked me to MC the show last night. It was an unexpected opportunity that I enjoyed intensely as it gave me a lot of opportunity to try new bits. Though it might not be 'good' or 'correct', I often take a half-simmered joke on stage with some vague, diaphanous idea how it might end. The delicious pressure of a live audience often jars my brain into writing the rest of the joke on stage, and I like that. The three bits I'm currently sauteeing - Spiritual Girlfriend, 20 Year Old Boy, and Autism Pasta - are slowly taking shape, and I'm taking a moment to really savour the process. No rush. No deadline. Let it grow and morph in its own time, then one day, it's like when you finally figure out how to see the picture within the 3D picture and it blows your blinkin' mind.

Warming to Twitter

2010-06-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Reasons I like Twitter now (I once joined then left a month later):

1. (said with corporate serious face) Marketing, promo, networking.
2. I got to design my own Twitter page and it gave me the illusion of knowing what I was doing. 10 points.
3. I realized people Tweet directly at me after a week of signing up. It sounds rude, but it's nice.
4. I watch Todd Barry, Louis CK and Patton Oswalt rib each other via Tweets and I pretend I'm at the same outdoor patio with them having cold drinks and delicious appetizers. And they like me.
5. I Tweeted John Cleese and said, "Marry me". Soooo, just a matter of time really.

Love,
Lori

YOU MADE IT! WELCOME TO THE SITE-WARMING PARTY!

2010-06-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Come in, come in! Here, let me take your poncho. I'm so glad you made it here. It's not a bad commute, right? Remember that time you came by for a visit when I had that one-room studio website with the milk-crate shelving and the lumpy futon? Ugh, I know. So embarrassing. Agh, yes! I did used to burn incense all the time. I thought it made me broody and edgy. HA!

Put down your bags. What? A present? Oh, you did not. You weren't supposed to bring anything, you nutbar. Oooh, chocolate. I am so not sharing this with you. Just kidding. Not really.

So, listen, I'm usually here chillin'. You know you're welcome to do the 'pop by' any old time. Don't dress up. Be comfy. Take a tour. I'm still doing some minor renovations here and there, so excuse the drywall dust.

Thanks for dropping by. You always make me smile. Get your hands off my chocolate.