I've never done this before -- made a GoFundMe for myself-- and it's really uncomfortable and feels icky doing it now - but nothing. ventured nothing gained so I'm venturing. Here's why:

SPIRITUALIZED is playing TWO and ONLY TWO shows in the US (BROOKLYN and LOS ANGELOS) and they're playing one of my two favorite albums in its entirety

Yeah yeah LOS ANGELOS is just a hop skip compared to BROOKLYN but here's the dealio. I'm 60 years old and Ive been NOWHERE --I've been as far South as San Diego -- as far North as Seattle and THATS IT (Ok I went to Alaska once but that was to kick heroin so it doesn't count. ) I grew up in Cali-- been there done that. Two months ago I was lucky to meet an amazing woman who lives in....? You got it! NEW YORK and has generously agreed to host me and a friend. So HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS are handled. I've already purchased my ticket for the show AND last week I bought my plane ticket. So I'm going!!!!!!! and people I'm FRICKING LOSING MY MIND IM SO EXCITED

Here's the problem. I'm a human with documentable disabilities who exists every month on $900-- that's before rent/phone/utilities/internet/transportation etc etc. after buying my plane ticket and paying bills I LITERALLY have $9 left. and it's only September 9th. Ordinarily that would be acceptable because the bills are paid. And while I will be hustling to sell art at Sat Market every week until I leave I usually won't sell more that $75 and often I sell nothing.

Before leaving for NY I' want to dye my 3-inch grey grow out -- I' want to buy a new outfit. I want to buy a T-shirt at the show-- But those are things I WANT

I NEED-- like MUST HAVE - to buy a real ID at DMV in order to fly. I need Uber/subway/food money. I CANNOT go to NEW YORK with zero $ in my pocket. I mean....I could but It doesn't seem wise for a 60 year old woman from Portland OREGUN to be wandering the streets of NY without a dime to make a phone call (that was just a joke obviously I have a cell phone )

People--Friends--ENEMYS EVEN. Please help me-- (again a disabled 60 yr old senior citizen [CUE SAD VIOLIN MUSIC] cross SEEING SPIRITUALIZED off my bucket list. Cross a trip to NY off my bucket list. Here's what most of you don't know. In highschool my jam was being a thespian and it was a given that upon graduating I would move to NY and pursue a career in the theater. For a graduation gift my grandma even bought me a music box shaped like an apple that played NY NY...But that first summer after high school I tried hard drugs for the first time. And as you all know I got stuck down that rabbit hole for a GAZILLION years.. which was my choice at the time. I know that. But I never expected that choice to still be affecting me at this age. Helping me to make this trip where I finally make it to NY will be like helping me come full circle -- finally getting to NY where I was once expected to spread my wings and fly to begin my life as a grown-up.

Turning 60 made me realize I GOT TO start bringing some of my lifetime dreams to fruition or die never having experienced any of the things i yearned to experience.

Last month, I was hospitalized for 3 days with pneumonia and my mortality became a tangible and real thing right in front of me...slipping from this mortal coil no longer something down the road.

As my favorite aunt was fond of saying ""it's time to shit or get off the pot"

Won't y'all help me drop a duece and get to NY?

I swear even $10 would double what's in my pocket now so every tiny bit will be a big deal.

I fly out of PDX ON the 25th (day of show) and GoFundMe said accessing funds raised can take 5-7 days or longer so...I have like 1 week to -- with your help-- make this adventure fulfill a lot of dreams.

I have ONE WEEK to raise funds to ensure imI can utelize them for my real D and this trip

ANY AMOUNT WILL BE SO APPRECIATED

Thank you.

Valarie Newman