Going through the Emotions

 

THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER ST. LOUIS, 2013
          on May 11th at the Emerson Auditorium, St. Luke's Hospital Education Center. 

                                             I was priviliged to be a part of this wonderful cast.

                                                           Click on photo to enlarge

My baby turns forty this year. I am old enough to be mother to most of my fellow cast members, yet I feel like we are all sisters.

Rehearsing with the women from Listen to Your Mother St. Louis 2013, an Ann Imig Production, made me feel like an expectant and new mother all over again. My hormones took a hike years ago, but the mood swings over the past weeks brought it all back. My chin broke out and I also got a blemish above my lip; admittedly, that may have been from dry shaving my mustache, I don't know, but it was a red honker for a week. I worried the entire time and had to buy extra strength antiperspirant!

When I first received the email that my story was selected, I screeched with joy, felt as excited as when the positive lines on the pee stick show up blue, (only in my time I think the rabbit died,) sorry.

I was nervous at the audition, unsure of myself amongst a group of younger professional women, apprehensive sharing my life story with strangers, afraid I'd trip over my tongue or my own feet in my gorgeous, new heels provided by sponsor, Bronx Diba Shoe Outlet. I was hopeful that my sinuses (spring in St. Louis!) would stop draining so I wouldn't have to clear my throat, snuffle snot, or hawk up a hair ball during rehearsals.

I was relieved after we read our stories to one another, so happy to discover that we were ALL more the same than different. I could relate to every single story, although I do not have as much jewelry as some. We laughed and cried together.

Then, came the big day, May 11, 2013. As I sat in the green room watching the cast toast and sip mimosas, I was envious of those who can drink alcohol and not suffer from my malady: running off at the bowels and mouth. My husband can attest, when I have even one drink, I talk endlessly and end up in the john, so I knew better than to start sipping the bubbly. Instead, I noshed on Jilly's miniature cupcakes. Thank You, Jilly's! Before we exited the green room, Alana Flowers led us in prayer. We did an all hands in salute, then we headed out the door to take our places.

Sitting backstage with all of the women in the hallway, waiting my turn to "go on" reminded me of waiting in the OB's office  many years ago. I felt special knowing that we all shared a unique bond. I was SO EXCITED when the moment finally arrived. I pranced proudly onto that stage and made the delivery look easy, while inside I was quaking.

When we returned to the stage and joined hands and took a bow, I felt a sense of unity, a connection beyond explanation. Afterwards, as we mingled in the hall, I felt that sense of euphoria that every new mom feels after she gives birth. Each of us had done something so special that no other person had ever done, delivered our own babies. The "birth announcements" rolled off our tongues, came from our hearts, and souls, and funny bones right through the microphone. The gifts came in the form of compliments from friends, family, and perfect strangers who appreciated hearing our life stories.

Every single cast member made me feel special, accepted, appreciated and loved. Getting to know each woman has been so much fun. Listen to Your Mother St. Louis has been a truly remarkable experience. "Thank you" does not seem to be sufficient. Ellie Grossman, Laura Edwards-Ray, Naomi Francis, Suzanne Tucker, and Virginia Kerr did an outstanding job and YES, we did receive TWO standing ovations! Thank you and praises to one and all.

And, uhmm, although I am running off at the mouth, I am not drinking.

To view more photos of LTYM, go to http://ratiooffailures.blogspot.com and check out Kim's blog.

We are all one

When I am curious about the weather I tune into the local news. Never fails, the meteorologist tells me he/she's GOING to tell me. SOON. Nothing frustrates me more than those news/weather teases. So, I apologize if I irritated anyone with my preliminary announcement about having big news that I couldn't yet talk about.

One of my personal essays was under consideration by the folks producing the Gloria Gaynor anthology, tentative title, How We Survived. I had to wait to see if my story made the cut. Last night I received the contract. My story will grace the pages of this book. The theme: how Gloria Gaynor's song, "I Will Survive" impacted my life. That song rocked my world in the 80s. I wrote from my heart about that time. I encourage you to also write as though you are sharing with a friend. Connect with your readers, even if you think you have nothing in common.

I learned this lesson a month ago when I walked into the cast meet/greet at Listen to Your Mother St. Louis. Many of the women were attorneys, professionals, community activists. I felt like the oldest, most undereducated and insecure woman there. The moment we shared a brief synopsis about ourselves, I realized that at our core, we are all women with a variety of experiences. If we strip away our titles, ages and pretenses we reveal our sameness, not our differences. One striking difference between my generation and the younger women (20s-40s) is the self-confidence they display compared to me at their ages.

There is still time to buy a ticket for the Saturday performance of Listen to Your Mother, St. Louis. Watch the Brian Williams show (not sure if it is going to be on tonight or Thursday). They filmed the LTYM, Chicago show. You will get some idea of how small a part I am of this big nationwide event. I am blessed.

Sasee Magazine is seeking stories about travel. Deadline 5/15 editor@sasee.com

Mama got a new pair of shoes

Sometimes I long for those days when I danced the night away wearing high heels. It has been a while since I've worn heels, but this evening, I trotted around Bronx and Diba Shoe Outlet in Earth City, teetering in spikes, clomping in clogs and playing dress up in six inch platforms with the cast members of Listen to Your Mother St. Louis. Bronx-Diba is one of our generous sponsors who donated a new pair of shoes (to be worn at the event) to every cast member. We were like little girls primping and preening, twirling, laughing. The wine had very little to do with the gaiety. The snacks were yummy, and my fellow cast members are fun, funny and amazing women.

 

I chose a very sensible, dressy, black satin, peek-a-boo pair of heels. You can't tell from the photo, but they are criss-cross pleated. Now, I have reason to buy a new dress.

These heels bring to mind something that happened twenty-five years ago when hubby and I were dating. We were at a dance with several friends. Also in attendance was my former boyfriend and his lady friend. It was another of my Lucy Ricardo moments.

Bill had taught me how to jitterbug, and I admit it, I was trying to impress my old flame. Discreetly, I'd glance over and catch him watching me boogie like a pro. I was showing off, swishing and swaying and moving to the groove with Bill. When I spun, somehow I got my high heel caught in the hem of my long dress. I went down to the floor in slow motion and landed on my knee. At least it wasn't a face plant or butt thud. Wide-eyed, both of us (not Bill) made direct eye contact with one another. It was one of those moments when time stands still, and not in a good way. I was never so embarrassed. I dislodged my shoe and smiled at the "heel."

I am hoping that I don't trip going on stage. I'm about forty pounds heavier than I was back then, and I'm sure I'd rock the auditorium. Break a leg could take on a literal meaning.

May 11th is the event and tickets are still available. Fifty percent goes to charity.