You created and curated a soulful, meaningful gathering of creative, smart and authentic women of words. Regardless of tech glitches, you made something special. The letting go might just be the overarching theme. We all let go of our fears, comfort zones and words when participating. We show up, and what happens becomes its own entity despite us. We are happy to be along for the ride. You should be proud.
Thank you, Leslie. I'm glad you see the overarching theme. I wasn't sure about publishing this particular writing with the celebration of your stories, but it has to be the whole package for me. I'm committed to sharing my experience even if, especially if, it's something that will inevitably contribute to the health and development of this project. There's more to say about the direction of the slam, (as we figure it out), it's evolving every day.
Everyone's performance was so beautiful on Saturday, and I am proud. I needed to be humbled, too. That happened. What I didn't expect was the love. That moment, when I discovered it was all okay. I got to see what I do to myself. Looking forward to talking with you about how it felt to do this. I think I'm going to start sending a post-event survey/questionnaire for storytellers to fill out (voluntarily, of course), because I want the input. My ideas aren't the only ideas.
I kind of believe that the more important the work, the more likely the person doing it will experience challenges. The work you’re doing here is important. It’s helping me be a better person. And, your example of steadfast effort through the challenges is an added lesson, one I don’t think you even knew you were providing.
Do take care of yourself. The work will be there after rest.
Thanks, my dear. I do believe we’re capable of healing the things that need fixing in ourselves, if we’re willing. I get lessons all the time that I need to address. It keeps me on my toes. The most important piece for me today is to learn to let go of my expectations and make sure that my interactions are clean.
I almost took the background story off the post, because i didn’t really want it to be about anything except the stories and the people telling them.
Nan, you have created a space where we can be our whole strutting, laughing, regretful, righteously indignant, powerful and life-loving selves. This includes the freedom to screw up—for you along with everyone else. There’s no big reach without risk. You have reached high and wide. It’s beautiful to see.
I'm a clinger, for sure, Nan, death-gripping my own shortcomings like Alex Honnold on the face of El Capitan. So, I really get it. But gosh! Look at you go with a back-up plan put in place after what you learned from the first recording mishap.
I listened to every story here, enjoyed each one completely, and marveled at the storytellers. So many different perspectives and so many different kinds of mothers. Thank you for creating, with so much heart, this space for authenticity and creativity to shine.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Just wait for the next one. I'll be sending a post out about it on Tuesday. The theme is Kill the Patriarchy! Things are heating up!
Well, it was stressful just at the end of the show, because I have more recovery work to do. Mostly it has to do with being kinder to me, and others. But mostly, I’m the hardest on myself. I’m learning. I’m growing. And sometimes I make mistakes. Reminders about being human are always appreciated. The stories really are wonderful. It was a terrific event, and I’m getting my graphics together for the June event, Kill the Patriarchy. It’s going to be phenomenal. Hope you can make the next show. June 20th. xo
I'm sorry I had to miss it, Nan. Life got in the way. I'm glad you had the support of so many amazing women and that you continue to do the work that opens space for these incredible storytellers.
Not having control over most everything has been a huge lesson for me as well. It's been a major reason why I have struggled with the loss of my son for so long. Someone once told me that I don't control the universe and it wasn't for me to save my son. It was his journey.
That was tough love but dang it shifted something in me.
Sending lots of love and am settling in to listen!❤️
That's an intense piece of tough love. My brother and his motorcycle accident almost a year ago is a similar example. His situation is hurting my mom so much, she's steeped in understandable grief, but there's really nothing we can do except wait and see, and eventually come to acceptance about how ever this unfolds. It's the hardest to see all the suffering. His physical and emotional suffering and mom's too. xo
Oh that is hard and I hope he's on a healing path. We definitely can't control how people respond to our actions, how we grieve, how we live our lives. It's hard not to bubble up our loved ones and keep them safe.
It was a great show. I'm sorry I had my camera off and had to bow out; an octopus of a migraine took hold. I was able to make it through all of the stories, though, and huge love and applause for everyone who shared.
I hope you are fully enjoying what you, Eileen and Mel have created, Nan. We sure do.❤️ xo
I hope you’re not disappointed that we don’t have the whole reel. The show was great, and you’ll read the post, you’ll find out why there’s no full recording…
Take a nap during the day for the next show. YOU don’t want to miss the next one. It’s going to be off the rails in all the best possible ways.
Precisely! It's very different to be there for the live. Even when we have the reel, because you miss being able to comment and read other comments, too. They really fun, and after this slam ended some storytellers and audience members and chatted..that would be pretty late for you though...I guess you'll have to move back...just kidding. Don't move back...not yet anyway. xo
A great lesson for all of us, and I can't wait to watch the videos after my plans to be there live were foiled. As a fellow perfectionist (which also served me well in my past proofreading, copyediting, and project managing roles), I can SO relate! (It's so in my DNA that I remember feeling compelled, when I was learning to write at age six, to write all the letters perfectly — and in 6th grade, another girl accused me of being a perfectionist! Sheesh.)
What a powerful gathering you curated, Nan! I am in awe. It's not about being perfect, and you know that. You just have to learn to let that be, and you are and will keep learning. It's hard, but you can do it. And your story--what a treat to watch and listen to you tell stories! You are a gift to us all. xo
That's so beautiful, Nan. I just re-listened to the stories, and it was like being there again, with a twist. Quieter and more like it was just for me. It's pretty amazing how different the two experiences are. That's why I think it's important to do both: attend live when I can and watch the replay, too.
Thanks for being willing to grow in real time while we watch. Creating something like this community certainly puts you in harm's way of that. That's the work, as much or more than all the rest of it. You model how it's done. Thanks again for that, because I know it's not easy. I admire your courage, your willingness, and your fortitude.
I hadn't attended in person since January, and I love the changes that have been made! It was wonderful to hear all the laughter and read/hear all the comments. It was alive - and that is an amazing feat! AND it has continued in these comments!!
I did not mind the recording glitches at all - and I question if anyone else did. It comes with the territory of being in a live presentation! As for the promise of delivering recordings of live sessions, would you consider modifying that promise to be "recordings will follow, if we can" or something similar? As a viewer, I would fully understand.
What and who are we if not in the learning/unlearning mode? You are putting yourself and your talents out there for the world to see. Not turtling. Unafraid. I admire that. I’m looking forward to seeing a few of the videos. Yay for pre-tapes!! Xo
Thanks, Kim! I'm not sorry i'm feeling this way. Actually, I'm over this for now. Feelings come up and old conditioning does fall away when I work on it. Yay for pre-tapes is right! xo
Ah the age-old question: "Who's the man and who's the woman?" 🤣 The one time this was put to me and Leo, I screamed "I'm definitely the man!" as nelly as I could, everyone seemed to get what an absurd question it was...
You created and curated a soulful, meaningful gathering of creative, smart and authentic women of words. Regardless of tech glitches, you made something special. The letting go might just be the overarching theme. We all let go of our fears, comfort zones and words when participating. We show up, and what happens becomes its own entity despite us. We are happy to be along for the ride. You should be proud.
Thank you, Leslie. I'm glad you see the overarching theme. I wasn't sure about publishing this particular writing with the celebration of your stories, but it has to be the whole package for me. I'm committed to sharing my experience even if, especially if, it's something that will inevitably contribute to the health and development of this project. There's more to say about the direction of the slam, (as we figure it out), it's evolving every day.
Everyone's performance was so beautiful on Saturday, and I am proud. I needed to be humbled, too. That happened. What I didn't expect was the love. That moment, when I discovered it was all okay. I got to see what I do to myself. Looking forward to talking with you about how it felt to do this. I think I'm going to start sending a post-event survey/questionnaire for storytellers to fill out (voluntarily, of course), because I want the input. My ideas aren't the only ideas.
I loved your story. xo
I kind of believe that the more important the work, the more likely the person doing it will experience challenges. The work you’re doing here is important. It’s helping me be a better person. And, your example of steadfast effort through the challenges is an added lesson, one I don’t think you even knew you were providing.
Do take care of yourself. The work will be there after rest.
Thanks, my dear. I do believe we’re capable of healing the things that need fixing in ourselves, if we’re willing. I get lessons all the time that I need to address. It keeps me on my toes. The most important piece for me today is to learn to let go of my expectations and make sure that my interactions are clean.
I almost took the background story off the post, because i didn’t really want it to be about anything except the stories and the people telling them.
Thanks for seeing me, Jeff.
xo
Nan, you have created a space where we can be our whole strutting, laughing, regretful, righteously indignant, powerful and life-loving selves. This includes the freedom to screw up—for you along with everyone else. There’s no big reach without risk. You have reached high and wide. It’s beautiful to see.
Thank you, Rona. Love you a lot. I’m very tired today!
We all need to be kinder to ourselves and others. Learning that lesson in a very big way today and every day. xo
You deserve the most luxurious rest.
I agree. Can you teach me how to do that? xo
Working on that skill myself.
Thank you for having brought all of us together, Nan. You were a fantastic host.
And yes: Please be human and flawed like the rest of us. (Although a tech issue is not actually your flaw). Letting go is important self care.
Now I’m going to watch all the videos.
Thank you, Claire. I hope you'll come back and tell another story. The one told? Magnificent. xo
Thank you! 😊
And honestly, of the two recordings, if I'd had both, I probably would have chosen the first one. Your internet/Zoom connection was better. xo
I'm a clinger, for sure, Nan, death-gripping my own shortcomings like Alex Honnold on the face of El Capitan. So, I really get it. But gosh! Look at you go with a back-up plan put in place after what you learned from the first recording mishap.
I listened to every story here, enjoyed each one completely, and marveled at the storytellers. So many different perspectives and so many different kinds of mothers. Thank you for creating, with so much heart, this space for authenticity and creativity to shine.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Just wait for the next one. I'll be sending a post out about it on Tuesday. The theme is Kill the Patriarchy! Things are heating up!
Sending you love. xo
Wow, so sorry to hear about all the tech problems! That must have been so stressful. But the stories are great!
Well, it was stressful just at the end of the show, because I have more recovery work to do. Mostly it has to do with being kinder to me, and others. But mostly, I’m the hardest on myself. I’m learning. I’m growing. And sometimes I make mistakes. Reminders about being human are always appreciated. The stories really are wonderful. It was a terrific event, and I’m getting my graphics together for the June event, Kill the Patriarchy. It’s going to be phenomenal. Hope you can make the next show. June 20th. xo
I'm sorry I had to miss it, Nan. Life got in the way. I'm glad you had the support of so many amazing women and that you continue to do the work that opens space for these incredible storytellers.
Not having control over most everything has been a huge lesson for me as well. It's been a major reason why I have struggled with the loss of my son for so long. Someone once told me that I don't control the universe and it wasn't for me to save my son. It was his journey.
That was tough love but dang it shifted something in me.
Sending lots of love and am settling in to listen!❤️
That's an intense piece of tough love. My brother and his motorcycle accident almost a year ago is a similar example. His situation is hurting my mom so much, she's steeped in understandable grief, but there's really nothing we can do except wait and see, and eventually come to acceptance about how ever this unfolds. It's the hardest to see all the suffering. His physical and emotional suffering and mom's too. xo
Oh that is hard and I hope he's on a healing path. We definitely can't control how people respond to our actions, how we grieve, how we live our lives. It's hard not to bubble up our loved ones and keep them safe.
It was a great show. I'm sorry I had my camera off and had to bow out; an octopus of a migraine took hold. I was able to make it through all of the stories, though, and huge love and applause for everyone who shared.
I hope you are fully enjoying what you, Eileen and Mel have created, Nan. We sure do.❤️ xo
Thanks, Sandra! Did you hear me say hi?
I was happy when I saw your tile! I hope you're feeling much better today. xo
I don’t think my speakers were working then (or my brain, LOL) but thank you!!! I’m about at 80%. This one had tentacles. 😘 xo
I'm sorry that it's still holding on. You know it will pass, but stuff like this, never seems to pass quickly enough. Big, gentle hug. xo
Yay the replay is here! Cant wait for this one! Being on CET means attending live is past my bedtime alas
I hope you’re not disappointed that we don’t have the whole reel. The show was great, and you’ll read the post, you’ll find out why there’s no full recording…
Take a nap during the day for the next show. YOU don’t want to miss the next one. It’s going to be off the rails in all the best possible ways.
The theme is: Kill the Patriarchy.
xo
Oh bummer, but all the more reason to take naps for the live slam! Yes ma’am!!
Precisely! It's very different to be there for the live. Even when we have the reel, because you miss being able to comment and read other comments, too. They really fun, and after this slam ended some storytellers and audience members and chatted..that would be pretty late for you though...I guess you'll have to move back...just kidding. Don't move back...not yet anyway. xo
A great lesson for all of us, and I can't wait to watch the videos after my plans to be there live were foiled. As a fellow perfectionist (which also served me well in my past proofreading, copyediting, and project managing roles), I can SO relate! (It's so in my DNA that I remember feeling compelled, when I was learning to write at age six, to write all the letters perfectly — and in 6th grade, another girl accused me of being a perfectionist! Sheesh.)
I hear you, sister! What a horrible accusation! xo
Congratulations on another show! Glitches happen, it's what we do with them that counts. x
Agreed!
xo
What a powerful gathering you curated, Nan! I am in awe. It's not about being perfect, and you know that. You just have to learn to let that be, and you are and will keep learning. It's hard, but you can do it. And your story--what a treat to watch and listen to you tell stories! You are a gift to us all. xo
Thank you, lovely Susan. xo
That's so beautiful, Nan. I just re-listened to the stories, and it was like being there again, with a twist. Quieter and more like it was just for me. It's pretty amazing how different the two experiences are. That's why I think it's important to do both: attend live when I can and watch the replay, too.
Thanks for being willing to grow in real time while we watch. Creating something like this community certainly puts you in harm's way of that. That's the work, as much or more than all the rest of it. You model how it's done. Thanks again for that, because I know it's not easy. I admire your courage, your willingness, and your fortitude.
I hadn't attended in person since January, and I love the changes that have been made! It was wonderful to hear all the laughter and read/hear all the comments. It was alive - and that is an amazing feat! AND it has continued in these comments!!
I did not mind the recording glitches at all - and I question if anyone else did. It comes with the territory of being in a live presentation! As for the promise of delivering recordings of live sessions, would you consider modifying that promise to be "recordings will follow, if we can" or something similar? As a viewer, I would fully understand.
Well done to you and all!! 💕
What and who are we if not in the learning/unlearning mode? You are putting yourself and your talents out there for the world to see. Not turtling. Unafraid. I admire that. I’m looking forward to seeing a few of the videos. Yay for pre-tapes!! Xo
Thanks, Kim! I'm not sorry i'm feeling this way. Actually, I'm over this for now. Feelings come up and old conditioning does fall away when I work on it. Yay for pre-tapes is right! xo
Ah the age-old question: "Who's the man and who's the woman?" 🤣 The one time this was put to me and Leo, I screamed "I'm definitely the man!" as nelly as I could, everyone seemed to get what an absurd question it was...
LOVE! xo