Still a revolutionary

In my first book I detailed cultural realities. I care deeply about them. I lived in so many countries, eventually, they insisted I stop projecting – as if I had no choice.

I’m grateful and in case you’re curious, he book’s called, “A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace”. Keys to each home, in the photo below.

One chapter was a love letter to Seattle, my former home. About directing fashion and drag shows. The Drag Show I wrote, and directed, was one of the first to really celebrate the art form. They said I launched a couple careers, and we opened for Ru Paul – when no one knew who Ru Paul was – everyone got paid but me. Crazy, halcyon days.

Then I decided to replace the drag artists for another kind of diva and built a large consulting company, placing ‘techies’ at companies like Microsoft, back when techies were considered ‘fringe’. Imagine that. As with the Drag Show, I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I did get paid, eventually…and well.

One female consultant told me, “I could buy a home because of you, Bailey”. That made me feel fantastic. I loved Seattle and it loved me back, in a major way. I haven’t been back for over a decade, that’s another kind of trip.

Now, after querying dozens of US agents for my second book, several replies were positive, but this book doesn’t fit into their wheelhouse. I get that. I can be slow, but agree; it does not. Some were quite kind, alas, a sign of the times.

“Personal Legends of Piemonte” is nearly finished. The translation has taken time, but in my defence, I’ve written 4 books in one: 12 Interviews, 12 essays creating a story around each ‘Legends’ interviewed. With essays and interviews both Italian, and English. A very complicated project.

This book has charm and it will have legs. There is gold to be mined in these interviews. It will sooth the soul. Personal Legends is about work, tradition and family, in a culturally catholic country that wears its religion lightly.

At 60, cannot believe I’m still going against the grain. I’m still a revolutionary.