Do What You Love

When I first joined Southern Order of Storytellers I was in college and I didn't really get involved. After all, I was taking classes. I was busy. Even though I really wanted to make storytelling a bigger part of my life, I thought I'd have to wait because I just had "too much" going on.

I started attending cluster groups after Virginia was born and I really needed to be around other grownups. Then I got a job and I got nominated for the board...

Suddenly I have two kids and work full time but still serve on the board and attend multiple storytelling events around Atlanta each month. I give a few paid performances a year. And now I'm performing an hour long show as part of the National Storytelling Network Conference Fringe.

My name was drawn. Being in the Fringe is not merit-based. But it is still a great opportunity to prove my merit.

Last night I did a dress rehearsal of my show for the Fringe (entitled "Naughty Bits") at Famous Pub preceding Stories on the Square. I was overwhelmed by the response. John passed a hat and we did raise funds for advertising my show at the conference. I appreciate every person who donated. But what was even more touching to me was just the number of people who showed up. The room was packed with over 40 audience members - most of whom I had never met before. I have to admit I was a little terrified. They know what this show is about, right?

From one of these new friends I got the biggest storytelling compliment I have ever been given. (This was before the show, but he didn't take it back afterwards, so I'm assuming it still stands.) He said, "I travel to see Donald Davis, and Bill Harley, and Kevin Kling. And now I will travel to see Sarah Beth Nelson." I was speechless.

Thank you, Atlanta, for giving me so many opportunities to do what I love. I still have "too much" going on. (If I'm honest, more so than ever.) But every second I spend storytelling is so very worth it.

I'm doing one more Atlanta performance before "the real thing" at Manuel's on July 8 at 7pm. This show will be ticketed, again, to raise funds for advertising at the conference. Fringe performers have to generate their own audience.

My Fringe performance is on August 2 in Richmond, Virginia. I can't wait to take this show on the road!

Me, telling one Naughty Bit at the inaugural Story Jam in Dahlonega.  

Pointing Down

Aunt 'Manda had the privilege of helping Virginia get dressed after we all went swimming recently. She noticed Virginia pushing at her private parts and instead of saying, "Hey, could you not do that in front of me." She asked, "What are you doing?" (Are we related or what?)
Virginia answered, "I'm trying to make it point down."
Virginia has seen me change Horatio's diaper a number of times and asks me about every detail of what I am doing. I have told her that I make sure his penis is pointing down before I close up the diaper, because otherwise he might pee out of the leg opening.
So, Virginia was trying to make her equipment point down as well. And Aunt 'Manda got to try to explain to her that hers already points down and can't really point anywhere else.
Aunt 'Manda will be an old pro by the time she has her own kids. Mine are making sure to expose her to the good, the bad, and the awkward of parenting!

Selfie taken by Virginia

What's kind of funny is that I've been ramping my practice of the "Naughty Bits" show (National Storytelling Network Fringe performance evening of August 2, preview performances on 6/11 and 7/8) and thinking about how comfortable kids are talking about bodies. I want my kids to stay that way. 

Cat Shaming

Inspired by this I decided to take my own cat-shaming photos.

Socrates:

Looks so innocent, doesn't he?

Penelope:

This is the cat door to the garage, where the litter boxes are located:

It must be taped open at all times or she actually won't go through it. 

Well, now that I've publicly shamed them I'm sure they'll both shape up.