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Getting Ready for 35
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July 11, 2007, 12:00 AM
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So I finally get to be a blogger. Oh my G-d…the things on my list.
I want to explore the last three decades of lesbian evolution with you, tell stories from my vantage point as President/Founder of Olivia—everything from what we wore to ways we played, the music, to the real issues that we have faced as a community, like…what about CHOICE? (Can you choose to be a lesbian or did some gene turn left, or…AHA EUREKA!…is everything possible?) And why that has been a political focus.
I want to talk about the “F” word (Feminism) and the differences between the L and the G in LBGT. Let’s explore the idea that the LGBT community is really four communities that intersect around civil rights. Let’s see, that’s one post…
And…I’ve got a slew of funny/great stories to share, and some pretty poignant ones that give insight not just into Olivia’s history, or mine (we seem to intersect often…beware, dear reader), but also yours. I’ve been writing a book about all this, so I have been thinking about this for a while...and I get to share it on my Olivia Voice – YES! And when I’m on Olivia trips, I want to post about what’s happening onboard, on the beach, the ride up to the pyramids on camels, lesbians being seen as an economic power in Turkey…you know the everyday occurrences.
And…this next year is Olivia’s 35th Anniversary. I swore I would stop counting at 30, fearful that someone was going to say, “Hey Dlugacz, get a life.” How ridiculous of me, that's not going to happen—no one can pronounce that last name of mine (Dalooogach). But I also began to have that 5-year celebratory itch that comes over me every time we have a major Olivia birthday. So, it’s coming up next year and every five years or so we get to create the greatest celebration known to WOMANKIND. After all how many lesbian companies do we all know that can claim such a monumental birthday?
So, here’s my promise. We are going to celebrate…I mean we’re going to spend every waking moment thinking of ways to make this the standout, flat-out best one. And it’s going to be an all year thing. And your input is essential. So as I get into this one, later in my blogging career (like right after that first post I mentioned), your ideas will fill our minds at Olivia with action. OKAY? After all, every good idea we’ve ever manifested (Olivia Records, Olivia Cruises and Resorts, Olivia.com…whatever we have done) has come from someone's hairbrain, off-the-cuff idea. (Okay, that's another post.)
So tell me, how would YOU like to celebrate Olivia’s 35th birthday? Feel free to be hairbrain—I’m a born listener.
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| By
November 3, 2007, 9:08 PM |
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As a former founder of Galaxia Records, which produced a few womens' albums (Maxine Feldman, Lillith, Women's Symphony, History of Suffrage, etc.) for a few years after Olivia began, before, sadly, shutting down, I am more delighted and excited that you found a way to survive and thrive and totally delirious to remember the days in Michigan. I congratulate you with heartfelt joy on your 35th. Here's to 35 more!!!!!!!
Ladyslipper records survived for a while as a catalog; are they gone for good now, do you know?
Again, all the best to all of you at Olivia - the best of them all.
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August 17, 2007, 2:46 AM |
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We are also celebrating 35 years together, my partner and I met in the Military in 1973. Alot has happened in all those years. She got out of the Military but I made a career of it and now I am retired. but the love we have for each other hasn't changed and I am glad that we will be spending it with Olivia in Jan. to help you celebrate your 35 years. Show us a good time. |
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August 1, 2007, 8:15 PM |
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Have you seen that Bonnie is starting a blog on our site? Bonnie is terrific and no doubt we will have her back soon.
Judy |
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July 28, 2007, 1:59 PM |
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Hi, Judy: How about looking at the big picture & having
Dr. Bonnie Morris who was on our cruise in May from Venice to Greece on
board to discuss women's history? She was fun, informative,
interesting. Looking forward to whatever you have in store for us
on the Jan. cruise.
<> JC
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July 25, 2007, 10:55 PM |
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An Olivia magazine would be a great idea............. |
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July 22, 2007, 1:09 AM |
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First, thank you for the courage and creativity of Olivia! I have the sweetest memories of the music coming from the womem performers of Olivia, flowing from the stages of the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and gatherings at women's bookstores. I would like to suggest that you create an online radio station at Olivia...celebrating the voices and music of those other courageous women who had a vision with you! |
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July 20, 2007, 4:47 AM |
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Love the ideas...there will be some incredible nostalgia on the January Caribbean kick off clebration...but I can't tell you quite yet...just know it's coming! |
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July 20, 2007, 3:58 AM |
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As an alumni of many Olivia concerts it would be great to recapture the sense of "belonging" that those concerts gave us. I would certainly be up for a concert of those early pioneers of "women's music" and what's popular with lesbians today. For a travel celebration, I have wanted to take the train across the Canadian Rockies for a long time. A whole train full of lesbians- think of the possiblities!! |
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July 20, 2007, 1:17 AM |
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Hey Judy!
We LOVE your cruises/trips (2 cruises and an adventure, so far) and would love to cruise Transatlantic on a New Year's eve, similar to, yes, the Titanic. (not TOO similar though!) Going to or coming from England that way would be great.
Thanks for letting us share-
Donna and Kay |
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July 18, 2007, 8:01 PM |
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Maybe we could have an Olivia contingent at Gay days at Disneyland and Disneyworld? You'll sell lots of red shirts, and could maybe have a private concert...
Kelly
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July 18, 2007, 2:53 AM |
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Thanks for the ideas...we are working hard to make this the greatest celebration ever...and we are constantly looking for ways to reach more women. So your ideas will go into the pot of great things to consider. I wish I had a staff of 100 (so does the staff!) There is so much we can do. Concerts...hmmm, where have I heard that before...I miss producing big concerts and we will know doubt bring more events into our plans in the future...So thanks again and I'm loving the ideas... |
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July 16, 2007, 12:42 PM |
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How about a little "something" - a concert, a book fair, an independent movie "sponsored by Olivia", a booth at Pride Festivals, etc. - to introduce Olivia's story to new audiences?
Divide the US into geographic sections, dominated by a single city (this may be a tad difficult in some areas, but most places are within 200 miles of a city/larger community) and find dedicated folks to organize the event with an expense "cap", of course. Publicize the events on this board and on Sirius channel 109 and on Logo.
In fact, go as globally as possible with the events!
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July 16, 2007, 1:53 AM |
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35th is off to an amazing start- k.d lang and Heart on the first two cruises! And Cruise for our Cause.....and k.d and heart.....and Heart and k.d ---- right on ladies of olivia!!!!!!!!!!! omom |
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July 13, 2007, 2:03 PM |
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Alright!!.....looking forward to reading and hearing more of your great ideas and stories....and more travel and celebrations with Olivia, my favorite things to do! 
Kathi
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July 13, 2007, 1:41 PM |
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Yes..... looking forward to sailing with you & celebrating your 35th year.
Cheers
Julie
> ^..^ < |
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July 13, 2007, 6:05 AM |
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By the way, great accomplishment to the Ladies of Olivia. Your 35 years with this labor of love is definitely our gain!
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July 13, 2007, 6:00 AM |
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We could incorporate body paint in all the Olivia t-shirt colors, tequila and o's.
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