Where Do We Go From Here?

The Naked Words show was amazing! We had approximately 138 guests, and are told that it is the largest turn-out for an event like this that the Carnegie Center has ever had! People were standing everywhere, sitting everywhere, the crowd bled out the door. We made them laugh, we made them cry. They gave us a standing ovation, and lovely, touching words of gratitude. We reached out to 138 people, and made a difference. A difference in peoples' perspectives, a difference in how people feel about themselves and their body issues. We made a difference in ourselves and how we feel.

The strange thing is- none of us seems to feel done with this project. We are all wondering, where do we go from here? We are thinking that it may be time to start packing our bags and taking it on the road. So, if anybody has ideas for good venues, please leave comments or email me.

We are sisters in Naked Words, and we might not be ready to let go. We are certainly not letting go of each other. These amazing women who sat behind me while I told my story, who I could feel rooting for me, supporting me, sending me strength and good thoughts the entire time I spoke. I hope they could feel me doing the same for them.

Thanks to all who came, who listened, who sat in that hot room and forgot that they were hot. Thanks to all who cried, and who laughed, and who stood up and applauded. Thanks to all who could not be there, but sent us sweet words of encouragement and thought of us the whole time. We felt your thoughts, your strength, your love too. Thanks to those who partied with us afterword, and repeatedly told us how great it was. How we moved you, changed you, fed your souls. Thanks to Donna Ison for putting this together, getting the grant, telling us a billion times that our words are wonderful and that we wouldn't fall on the waxed floor and embarrass ourselves. Thanks to Theo Edmonds for coming from NYC to decorate our after-party with amazing artwork, and allowing us to use Pork Chops and Applesauce (is that the real name of the painting? What is the actual title?) as our poster art.

Thank you Naked Sisters for having my back.

Naked Time

This evening, at the Carnegie Center in Lexington, KY, I have the honor of being one voice in a group of women talking openly and honestly about our body issues. I have read the entire script, and listened to many of these women read their original monologues. While most of us are not actors, this project has made brilliant writers out of all of us.

The show is at 7 p.m., admission is free. I hope to see many of you there. I am a nervous wreck right now, trying to get ready and the only part of me that is put together right now are my toes, thanks to the lovely lady at the nail salon. I know this: even if I fall on my ass in front of everybody, this show is still going to be great!

Also, at 5:30, several of my friends and my Mom will be enjoying dinner at Atomic Cafe-- all are welcome there, I like to think of it as my own little fan club ;)

-The Flaming Maiden out

(original artwork by Theo Edmonds, thank you Theo for contributing to our project!)

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend, Chris moved a few tons of landscaping bricks, and together we moved about 4 tons of dirt and compost. We turned ourback yard from this:

To this:

That bed is where we will grow our own organic veggies for the summer. I think I'm going to need to learn how to can.

Let summer begin!

(No really, I'm tired of this school year and am ready to have my kid back-- Let Summer Begin!)

Day 2

It seems I'm oily, or my soap is too nourishing or something. My patch literally fell off yesterday. A few hours later, I broke down and smoked a cigarette.

Today, I have used medical tape to keep this patch on. That's right tobacco giants, feel the sting of my resolve!

So, one small stumble, overcome by increasingly firm resolve.

Take This Job and Shove It

For about a decade, I have had the unfortunate job of helping to ensure that tobacco companies and farmers were employed. Well, today I told that boss where to go.
I have never been public about my attempts to quit smoking. In the name of taking full responsibility, I am here officially announcing that I Quit.

Today is Day 1. So far I've spent a significant amount of time thinking about cigarettes, but I had Chris put my patch on in such a place that I cannot reach it to remove it so as to smoke, so I'm staying strong. And I'm announcing it so that I cannot hide. I have to follow through.

Being that my last cigarette was last night, according to the smoking cessation timeline, I am now enjoying these benefits:

*Blood pressure and pulse have decreased, and the temperature of my hands and feet have increased, illustrating healthier blood flow.

*It has been over 8 hours, therefore my carbon monoxide level has dropped to healthy normal. My blood oxygen levels are well on their way back up.

Day's positive reason to quit: I will enjoy summer activities (like the pool) more if I'm not constantly wishing I could take a smoke break.