Dina Lydia's Biz Talk posts

Shake it up for Single-Payer! A demonstration on Monday 4-27

Hi folks, No one knows the difficulties of our present health care costs and insurance system better than the self-employed, am I right?

I was invited to help host a colorful and jingly demonstration because as "Citizen Artiste" I am known to be into theatrics and progressive politics.

If you can be in downtown Seattle at noon on Monday, please join us at the Federal building!

The advert is here: http://citizen-artiste.org/events/2009/shakeitup.htm

"Among the demonstrators are artist-activists Dina Lydia of Citizen Artiste and international bellydance star Delilah of Visionary Studios, famed in Seattle for her contingent of dazzling dancers every year at the Solstice Parade."

I advocate for both single-payer public health insurance and publicly funded political campaigns, because these two issues are closely related. We need both for true reform. For those who believe the country can't afford these things, we are already paying and getting bad results. Useful info here about the influence of the health care insurance lobby: http://www.washclean.org/blog.htm

Of course a girl has to have some fun too, so I like to dramatize my little actions when I can. I plan to wear something FABULOUS.

This might get some media coverage, we have sent out press releases - the media likes novelty.

Thanks for reading this far!

I had a business dream...the REM kind. You?

I now know what my subconscious thinks of Biznik.

The dream began with me being recruited to join the crew of a research vessel. I was told I could make good money just helping control the ropes and so on.

Although I don't much like boats, I agreed, imagining this would be a Jacques Cousteau-like adventure.

Then I was suddenly aboard the vessel, not much bigger than a rowboat, actually. In the water, I could see huge gray and white sharks, circling the boat.

I started to say, "I changed my mind - get me out of here." But the shoreline was gone - all I could see was the open sea and the sharks moving in.

Upon waking, I knew immediately that it was about business. "Sharks" is shorthand for aggressive self-promoters.

I learned the term many years ago, when I traveled to Miami to work for an entertainment agency, drawing on-the-spot caricatures in a mall. Several artists worked the spot at the same time, and the "sharks" aggressively went after customers. I was much more reserved then. I didn't like competing with sharks.

So - the theme of the dream was: "I don't belong here, I'm out of my league. I'm surrounded by sharks."

I hope I can overcome my inner pessimist! I'm busy: doing a big redesign on my website, going to the "Shine" event with a costume statement, thinking up new promos, and participating in many ways. What think you?

Thanks for reading this far!

Such a deal - but act fast! Free consultation on self-publishing.

Tomorrow, Sunday March 8!

Show up for my workshop at 3pm at 5focus in S. Lake Union, and get a detailed talk on self-publishing, a 7-page handout, and a 1/2 hour of advice on your particular project.

If you can't make the workshop but need a free consultation anyway, let me know. We'll work something out! ~Dina

Unbusinesslike Brat Speaks out

Paging and channeling Dina’s Inner Child….

"I am NOT a business lady. I’m just me. No one can make me have ta do things. I’m do whatever I want.

Business people are no fun. Business teachers are no fun. They try to always make me think about money. Networking and selling and taxes and banks and typing and posting but mostly just money. Its boring.

They keep talkin about customers, clients, clients, customers, they tell me I have ta go lookin for people to sell things to and pay me money. People don't want to pay and they try to get me to pay instead. They're only nice to me cause they want me to pay.

It gives me a headach, I'd rather play with my friends, we don't talk about buying selling and money.

Or I'd rather take pictures with my camera and paste the pictures all over the wall in my room.

Or play with the pictures, magic crayons and pencils and paints and animals and songs in my computer.

Or I'd rather play dressup with my different colored materials and sparkles and flowers and fringes and plastic animals.

The business lady tries to make me go to bed or take a nap or just go away. It's the othr way around, I make her go away because I am a more fun person. People like me they don't like her.

That is why I don't like to go places together with her, shes no fun. I don't need her, my boyfriend will always take care of me."

I ask you: what am I supposed to do with this undisciplined brat always around? I love her…

How to be listed in Seattle Artist Directory?

I see I'm not listed in the category "Seattle artists."

I'm an "active member."

Do I have to submit my profile to this list separately? If so, how?

Thanks! ~Dina Lydia

Free consultation with self-publishing workshop

Considering self-publishing? If you attend my workshop "Self-publisher Tells All" on Sunday March 8, I will include a half-hour consultation on your proposed project, at our mutual convenience.

The $16 fee for the workshop covers just the cost of the rental space + the Biznik surcharge. The extra offer is to convince you it's a good deal!

I'll reveal everything I learned as author & publisher of a book series - you can do the same. Layout, software, typography, photo imaging, graphics, illustration - all are part of that.

And by the way - if you would like to offer a Seattle-area space for the next workshop in exchange for more services, please do!

Event is here: https://biznik.com/events/self-publisher-tells-all

Questions are welcome. ~Dina

Anyone like to share their space for a self-publishing workshop?

I want to hold a workshop on the how-to's of self-publishing: organizing the material, page layout, everything to prepare for the printer.

I have self-published seven how-to books on costuming with numerous photos and illustrations; that's my experience.

I don't have a suitable space to hold a private workshop. Would anyone like to give me a few hours in their space, big enough for 15-20 people? I don't need special equipment, although a whiteboard would be useful.

In exchange I would offer several free spots at the workshop...or any other swap that would work, such as a few of my books. They're definitely a specialty item, though!

I'm in West Seattle and that would be a good location, or a more central downtown location would be fine too. I'm free almost anytime, but of course evenings and weekends would draw more people.

THANKS in advance! Dina Lydia