Billie Livingston’s second novel leads us to consider the nature of our hidden lives and desires—and to question whether the sky would really fall if we admitted our true needs and ceased to blush. As Cease to Blush opens, Vivian is late to her own mother’s funeral. Wearing a tight red suit, Vivian stands out like a pornographer’s dream amongst the West Coast intellectuals mourning the death of prominent feminist Josie Callwood. But for all of her bravado, Vivian finds herself emotionally numb and spiraling downward. Vivian and her mother were in constant conflict, with Josie disapproving of her daughter’s lifestyle; her inclination to use her body instead of her brain, and her so-called acting career, which has amounted to little more than playing prostitutes and the odd dead body. For her part Vivian has been invested in antagonizing her mother’s feminist ideology. As the story opens Vivian’s career, as well as her relationship with boyfriend Frank, is taking an unsavoury turn as she wades into the quick cash scheme of Internet porn with herself cast in the lead. But Josie has left a big surprise for her troubled daughter: a trunk full of mementoes from her own past, all of which point to a secret life more exotic than anything Vivian has been able to pull off. Puzzling together bits and pieces, Vivian learns that her mother was at one time a burlesque performer named Celia Dare who rubbed shoulders with the flashiest celebrities of the sixties. Vivian becomes determined to uncover the true story of her mother’s life. Chasing rumours, Vivian sets off down the Pacific coast and soon finds out that truth is a slippery snake. With only a few of her mother’s letters, some guarded anecdotes from Josie’s former confidant and a slew of books about the sixties, Vivian begins to re-create her mother’s life, placing her at the heart of some of the biggest events and scenes of the era. From the protests and beat coffeehouses of Haight-Ashbury to the frenzied nightlife of Rat Pack Vegas, from the political soirées of New York to mob meetings in glitzy Miami hotels, Celia Dare saw and did it all. Yet the glamour hid an ugly underbelly, and as Vivian peels away the layers of the past she begins to uncover her own emotional truths as well. Cease to Blush drives the bumpy road from the burlesque stages of Rat Pack Vegas to the bedroom Internet porn business, exploring just how far women have really come. In Vivian, Livingston has created the perfect character through which to explore what it means to be an independent woman today; with Celia/Josie, it’s clear that things weren’t so cut and dry in her day either. Though Celia’s story is told vividly here, its accuracy is impossible to gauge and the ghosts are not talking. But maybe this is Celia’s gift to Vivian: the ability of the past not only to illuminate the future, but to re-imagine it.

I Couldn't Believe How I Stopped Blushing, Nor Will You! Jim Baker, a Former Blusher, recounts the story of how he beat blushing and took his life back. 100+ page book helps understand blushing and teaches control of mind and body. Stop blushing today!

Offers a new, interdisciplinary account of early modern drama through the lens of playing and playgoing.

Do you wish to overcome the burden of blushing and regain your confidence in social situations? Discover the comprehensive guide that will help you break free from the blushing cycle and embrace a blush-free life. Section 1: Understanding the Science Behind Blushing Delve into the physiological processes responsible for blushing. Gain insights into why and how your body reacts to various emotional triggers. Section 2: The Psychology of Blushing: Uncovering the Root Causes Explore the psychological factors that contribute to blushing. Identify the deep-seated beliefs and thought patterns that may be fueling your blush response. Section 3: Breaking the Blushing Cycle: How to Interrupt the Pattern Learn practical techniques to disrupt the automatic blushing cycle. Discover strategies to regain control over your body's reactions. Section 4: Mastering Mindfulness: Techniques to Control Blushing Harness the power of mindfulness to stay present and reduce anxiety. Develop mindfulness practices that help you manage blushing in real-time. Section 5: Breathing Techniques: Harnessing the Power of Deep Breaths Explore effective breathing exercises that can calm your nervous system and prevent blushing episodes. Section 6: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Rewiring Your Blushing Response Discover how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you reframe your thoughts and behaviors, reducing blushing triggers. Section 7: Building Self-Confidence: Strategies to Boost Your Self-Esteem Enhance your self-esteem and self-worth. Find practical exercises and techniques to boost your confidence. Section 8: Overcoming Social Anxiety: Conquering Blushing in Social Situations Tackle social anxiety head-on and develop strategies to overcome blushing in social settings. Section 9: Navigating Difficult Conversations Without Blushing Gain tools and insights for managing challenging conversations with grace and composure. Section 10: The Power of Visualization: Imagery Techniques to Stop Blushing Learn visualization techniques to retrain your mind and envision a life free from blushing. Section 11: Stress Management: Reducing Blushing Triggers Explore stress-reduction strategies that can help you minimize blushing responses in high-pressure situations. Section 12: Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Supporting Blush-Free Living Discover how a healthy lifestyle can contribute to reduced blushing and improved overall well-being. Section 13: Makeup Tips and Tricks to Minimize Blushing For those seeking quick fixes, find makeup tips to minimize the appearance of blushing. Section 14: Seeking Support: Finding a Community to Share Your Blushing Journey Connect with others who share your experiences and challenges. Discover the importance of support networks. Section 15: Maintaining Your Progress: Long-term Strategies to Prevent Blushing Relapses Equip yourself with long-term strategies to ensure your progress endures and blushing remains a thing of the past. Blush No More is your roadmap to a life free from the grip of blushing. Say goodbye to self-consciousness and embarrassment, and hello to a future where your confidence knows no bounds. Your journey to a blush-free life starts here.