I went to see the St. Louis show for Listen to Your Mother yesterday. Even though I had submitted a story and had not been chosen, two of my writing friends had been chosen. And since Lynn and I were the only WWWPs (Wild Women Wielding Pens) who were in town, we had to represent our critique group.
'Cause that's what writers do. We support each other...
One woman--a young mother--came on stage gorgeous and looking quite "normal." However, she shared her story of having a mother who was anything but normal. Her mom spent her time--instead of with her family--in a bar. This writer (she was like 9 or 12--some too-young-for-this-ugliness age) would take two buses to go to the bar and try her convince her mother to get her a@@ off the barstool and come home.
She now has several sons, a husband, and worries constantly since she was never taught how to be mother...how can she be a loving mother to her boys? The answer: she tells them every day, many times a day, "I love you." (Lynn and I sat next to these boys. They are well loved.)
Linda O'Connell shared a story she had never shared with her critique group. Lynn and I had the pleasure of hearing it for the first time, like the rest of the audience.
Kim Lenhoff--despite claiming she was nervous--got in front of the auditorium and told about raising an autistic, bi-polar son. Because she has the courage, perhaps others will...She was afraid her knees would knock in nervousness, and I told her I was looking forward to them knocking so much, she would start a fire. What a way to add excitement. Sadly, Kim + no sign of fear = no inferno.
Another writer--made us all sob. She suffered through many miscarriages, and when she finally was able to give birth to twins, it was because her Japanese-born (late) mother had helped her "catchee baby."
Happy Mother's Day. For those who are fortunate enough to still have their mother with them, call or hug them. For those who are lucky enough to have children and grandchildren, enjoy the day. When the Listen to Your Mother writers took a bow at the end of the show, I took a picture with my phone. Because of their movement and my photographic skills, they're a blur of motion. But it makes me think...My story blurs into your story which blurs into her story, which blurs into his story. We all have heartbreak and joy in our lives.
We all have a story to tell...
What a wonderful post, Sioux! I enjoyed hearing about each presenter, and I hope that you have a very wonderful Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Kathy--If you weren't on the far west coast, I would have been honored to sit next to you yesterday.
DeleteBack at ya. Happy Mother's Day to you.
I can relate to that gal, though my mother was no drinker. She just needed defrosting and a surgeon to remove the stick from her behind and to implant the donor sense of humor. For years, I said that my mother was the one person whom I could NOT make laugh, but finally she did laugh at something I said and I was so shocked I nearly fainted on the spot.
ReplyDeleteShay--Even though my mother's death was packed with tons of dysfunction, my childhood was almost Leave It to Beaver perfect.
DeleteI hope the rest of your weekend is great.
Oh, I forgot to ask. Was it something you MEANT to be funny? And if others would understand, I'd love to know what finally activated her funnybone...(unless it's not too personal and then if it is, just email it to me ;)
DeleteI can't remember what I said, exactly, but it was a quip, something I meant to be funny, but I was so used to her not reacting whatsoever, that I was truly stunned when she laughed.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Sioux. And I do hope I'll get to see a taped version since I couldn't go. Happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteTammy-I think this summer they are putting it on the internet. I'm sure if you asked Linda, she could tell you the particulars.
DeleteSioux, Thank you!I am so proud that you and Lynn came to support me. It was one of the top five moving experiences of my life.
ReplyDeleteLinda--All five of us would have been there if we had been in town/able...
DeleteIt was an incredibly moving morning. Congratulations again.
Sioux, I want to echo Linda's thanks. You were so sweet to come and cheer us on - and the fudge you gifted me with is to die for! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLTYM was an extaordinary experience in my life...I don't know when I'll come down from my cloud.
Kim--The Rolling Stones sang, "Hey, you, get off of my cloud." (I think I have the lyrics right.) They didn't sing, "Get off of YOUR cloud."
DeleteWriters are so rarely able to sit and ride out a high like that. Stay there as long as you can...and enjoy the view.
Nice post, Sioux, thx for letting those of us who couldn't be there get a glimpse of what we missed. Now, I know you make light of compliments paid to you, but buck up and take it: You are to be appreciated for all the support, encouragement and kudos you bestow on fellow writers. You are a gem. Now, what else do I have to do to get some of that famous fudge??
ReplyDeleteOops. I put my reply in the wrong place. Sorry, Marcia.
DeleteGreat post. I'm so glad I went and I'm glad you were there with me. You're such a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteLynn--Thanks. I enjoyed it so much more with you, than if I was by myself.
DeleteMarcia--
ReplyDeleteHey, come to the writing marathon. I'll make some for you and Jim...
"Buck up?" I've heard a phrase similar to that, hurled my way, but never "buck up." Hmmm...;)
Wish I could've been there, too, Sioux, but you did them proud with this lovely post. Particularly loved your ending--amen to that, sister! :-)
ReplyDeleteCathy--I know you know the power we women have when we get together, because you have a circle of women writer-friends that make you laugh and encourage you and prod you. If they let Lynn and me in, along with you and Lisa, I think they might have to call in "the authorities," because of all the ruckus we'd cause...
DeleteGreat post. My only regret is that I wasn't sitting next to you and Lynn. You've described a wonderful event. And you're so right, everyone does have a story to tell. The courageous ones actually tell them.
ReplyDeleteLisa--I imagine Atlanta has a "Listen to Your Mother" event. You should check into it, and if they do, you should definitely submit something next year. It was a hoot (and a sob-fest).
DeleteI was disappointed that I wasn't able to go to the event, but reading your post made me feel like I was there. You and Lynn are such faithful supporters of other writers. And congratulations to Linda and all the others who shared their stories.
ReplyDeleteDonna--You are supportive of writers, too. I think it's crucial, since we get so much rejection, we need to bolster each other and keep each other standing upright and brave...
DeleteWell Rats. The marathon was cancelled and I couldn't have come anyway on a Sunday morning. But I'll watch for the re-schedule! BUt why do I have to share fudge with Jim? He is my honey, and what's mine is his, but ... can't you just slip it to me under the table, so to speak? I will share it, I promise, just maybe the percentage will be a little "fudged" - get it? So yes, you did buck up! (Remember, I am writing a western.)
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