Finding Freya

03/01/2023

Time is a construct so let’s pretend I’m posting this in January during the tornado of talent that was . It was every dirty, sexy, high glam dream I’ve ever had (and some new ones too). It was the same and indelibly different than festivals in the before-times. Thankful to for having me, and glad I got to spend it with (thanks for letting me rhinestone your head). I don’t have nearly enough photos but I think these shot by will whet your appetite.

01/18/2023

January is flying!
I’m slowing my travel down and am spending the next three months in one of my favorite US cities, New Orleans! My first performance here is for the legendary this weekend! I’ll be in the Friday night Varietease showcase but I’ll be cheering the whole weekend!
Photo by for .

11/17/2022

While traveling through the Balkans, I stumbled on an ancient female tattooing tradition. It was hard to find credible information in English, so obviously I became obsessed with finding out more. The result is this article I just published with ! Huge thank you to my editor for trusting me with this story and all the incredible folks I interviewed, Marija, and .

Not mentioned in the article, but I'm extremely grateful to the wonderful , who I first interviewed about this piece. Her Marks of Protection project in Montenegro is doing incredible work helping survivors of human trafficking.

If you're interested in forgotten female histories, tattoos, and the transformation of heritage to modern art, check out the article via link in my bïo!

11/08/2022

Just gifting you this full moon on a full moon. Because you’re doing a good job and you deserve it.
Costume by . Photo by .

09/12/2022

I’m four weeks out from cancer surgery today!

I’ve been discharged by my surgeon and wait two more weeks for a blood test to determine if we got it all this time.

Living for the last days of summer. Every year there’s a rush to anticipate the next season and embrace the new, but focusing on the now enables us to be present because now is really all we have.

Recovery isn’t a straight line, but I’m feeling pretty like myself, save for lingering fatigue and headaches. It’s tough to build yourself back up, again and again, but knowing I’ve done it before helps me have faith I can do it again, even if a 15 minute walk currently leaves me exhausted.

I’m feeling like posting again so expect more travel videos from previous adventures.

Pictured are my two modes: water goblin and glamour ghoul.

08/03/2022

They say the sequel never lives up to the original, but apparently we didn't kill it hard enough the first time. Thyroid Cancer: The Revenge is here.

Treatment is surgery, so I'll be laid up for a bit recovering from a central neck dissection. What the surgeon finds and how much they're able to get out will determine my next steps. I'm feeling ok and not ok depending on the day of the emotional rollercoaster, and all of that is ok.

I'm thankful I have family to stay with, an incredible therapist, and a great-hearted community. I definitely don't need sorrys, sad face emojis, or "miracle" cures, thank you in advance. I do need bad jokes, cute animals, and will take cheese offerings when I can have solid foods again. I also need you to check your bod! When in doubt, get it checked out.

Here's to killing the Big Bad, hopefully for the last time.

07/23/2022

Happiest of birthdays to the one who still follows me even when I get lost, cares for moss and mushrooms as much as dramatic hike views, and falls in love with every city. You make my life more magical. I love you so much and can’t believe we get to explore the world together. Happy birthday .

04/18/2022

🧳 Packing Light 🎁
It's been 10 weeks since I left the US with a one way ticket.
Turns out, packing up your whole life into one suitcase isn't just about material things. It's also about mental space and what you choose to carry there. In my quest to move freely, I find myself examining everything from my habits to my inner critic with a new eye. What's worth carrying around, and what can I let go of. As I meet new people in new places, I am noticing, what stories do I tell about myself? What kind of person do I want to be, and how do I hold myself accountable to that vision?
Even staying physically in one place, Spring brings a change in scenery, universally understood as a time to clean out the old and make way for the new. An opportunity for renewal, to let go of what doesn't serve you, not because you're enlightened, but simply because it's heavy, and you're trying to travel light.
Self capture. Wearing my dearest ’s handmade costume.

04/08/2022

Been working hard here in the Canary Islands, catching up on video editing and getting my website back up and running! There are only a few posts right now, but take a peep!

www.freyawest.com

AboutI'm Freya, a published writer, award-winning performer and full time world traveler in forever in search of the next best breakfast. Read More

10/18/2021

🏙We’ve had some major flight delays, but after a cancer diagnosis, surgery, radiation and treatment a rare brain disorder, this babe is finally getting back on the road again!
In two weeks and I will be leaving the US for a major adventure! We’re going back to one of our favorite cities, and exploring the country for sights previously unknown to us! I’ll take guesses in my stories where we’re headed, if you’re right I’ll send you a postcard!
Ps thank you so much for all the love on my last post. Being vulnerable about my health is terrifying to me, and to feel your support and how much it helped for some of you going through similar struggles is humbling. Here’s to good health and minimal turbulence on the journeys ahead.

06/08/2021

Big Life Update!

Is this the end of my burlesque career? Huge life announcement! Plus meet my latest batch of foster kittens!