Oh, my dear, dear friend. You're the best. I have to tell you that I've never an easy time collaborating with others, and have mostly avoided that kind of "teamwork." It's never been for me....but that has mostly to do with my needed-to-be-healed massive control issues. I've done that work, it's still challenging and I have strong opinions (I can be stubborn). But we navigated this whole experience, together with kindness, grace, and our two very good brains. We complement each others skill sets, each bring our unique abilities and viewpoints to this project. I adore working with you, getting to know you on different level. I think we're both surprising ourselves, finding out that we're both capable of so much more than we ever thought. Speaking for myself, really, but if it's true for you, than see, I am a bonified know-it-all! We wanted this project to have a component of supporting writers in their growth. That has to apply to us as well. Love you, E. xo
Eileen learning about your health challenges I am even more impressed by not only your incredible performance at the slam but how you keep showing up, to life, your day job, your friendships. You’re making a difference in people’s lives. 💗
I see a urogynocologist and love him! I was born with two uteri, four fallopian tubes, two vaginas and one kidney. Most of the gyno stuff was scooped out years ago to deal with my three-week-long periods. I would also like to take back the words cunt and twat--they're ours, damn it!
Ooh, two of all the problematic parts and only one of the non-essential.
I suffered for years with endometriosis (I've only got one, luckily) till I had my tubes tied and took about 3 months' with no break on BCP. Whatta ya know, it worked and the tiny scars are long gone.
Glad all is well! I had endometriosis, adenomyosis (where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall) and a football-sized fibroid. They had to cut across my entire stomach old-school style and of course my stomach flops over now, big time. But it was worth it to get rid of the horrid periods. Clots were huge and the bathroom looked like a scene from the movie Carrie!
Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues is amazing — there is one monologue called “CUNT” which is particularly celebratory. I directed this play twice - with a cast of 40 women. WE built a sweat shop and had some of the monologues delivered while women were sewing bras.
I don't pretend to know what it feels like to be in a body that's gone through what yours has recently, but I do know a thing or two about performance, and this was marvelous! Also, I got to learn and laugh at a few new terms that are totally going in my lexicon. Reading the "footnote" of this essay makes it even more impressive, Eileen. Living is a lot of work. Keeping joy and honesty centered in that work even harder. My hat is off to you for appearing to do just that.
"The things we do for people in lab coats!." So many great lines. You are a champ. I'd so wowed by the process you and Nan went through with the care and feeding of the first slam. I have to admit, my favorite part, even above all the great lines and euphamisms was the laugh at the end.
Very great! As a fellow (ahem) former sufferer of the too tight twat, I can totally relate. I hated the physical therapy, though, but it helped me learn to relax those muscles. Funniest thing, though, the therapist gave me the tail end (ahem) of a GIANT bottle of lube so I could practice more comfortably with one of those things that helps do the trigger release thing and of course I left it out. I had a house cleaner come in, an old lady who was a friend of a friend. She never said anything and hasn't been back, but I avert my eyes if I run into her someplace. The bottle, if full, would have been a lifetime supply of lube for a swim team. I'm still laughing about it. Thanks for reminding me.
Now you have me very intrigued about what you women are doing. I'll try to be on the next one so I can watch to see if I'm brave enough to eventually participate.
Glad the video is on Youtube. Going to my girlfriends!
Love this. Evolution, openness to change. It means we're not stuck. That things can always get better. It's hope. So much respect for your project, for the team that made it possible, and for you. ❤️
Congrats on getting back to live storytelling post-DBS, that's huge! The part about feeling like your 100% doesnt add up to much really lands. I went thru something similar recovering from a concussion where my cognitive load was shot for months. That honest collaborative process you describe with Nan sounds like the healthiest way to work when you're dealing with limitations. Looking forward to the Love Boat show!
I am learning by talking to others with brain stuff that time is tricky. You think you're better but yet you're not and you continually find out the hard way. I do feel like I'm getting the most out of rehabilitated brain these days. I'm glad you're coming to the Feb show!!
If you want the best lists of names for all the, erm, parts on both men and women, search here for Robin Wilding. She's hilarious not only with those, but everything else. (Also has a chronic disease)
Yes to all of this. All the words (ladyflower!!). All the friendships. Even all the days when you can't muster a smile to save your life. Thank you for being you.
"A lesson in accepting things as they are, not how I’d like them to be. Time to name it and reframe it.' Sadly accurate, along with your comment on everyone's angry about a lot of different things. I never thought I'd grow older into such a divisive climate. Not the America we were sold and raised on.
Oh, my dear, dear friend. You're the best. I have to tell you that I've never an easy time collaborating with others, and have mostly avoided that kind of "teamwork." It's never been for me....but that has mostly to do with my needed-to-be-healed massive control issues. I've done that work, it's still challenging and I have strong opinions (I can be stubborn). But we navigated this whole experience, together with kindness, grace, and our two very good brains. We complement each others skill sets, each bring our unique abilities and viewpoints to this project. I adore working with you, getting to know you on different level. I think we're both surprising ourselves, finding out that we're both capable of so much more than we ever thought. Speaking for myself, really, but if it's true for you, than see, I am a bonified know-it-all! We wanted this project to have a component of supporting writers in their growth. That has to apply to us as well. Love you, E. xo
Love you too, NFT.
Eileen learning about your health challenges I am even more impressed by not only your incredible performance at the slam but how you keep showing up, to life, your day job, your friendships. You’re making a difference in people’s lives. 💗
Thank you, Amy. Your kind words warm me on a -7 degree day 💗
I see a urogynocologist and love him! I was born with two uteri, four fallopian tubes, two vaginas and one kidney. Most of the gyno stuff was scooped out years ago to deal with my three-week-long periods. I would also like to take back the words cunt and twat--they're ours, damn it!
Love that you love your URO! Take back all the words, they are ours, indeed!
Ooh, two of all the problematic parts and only one of the non-essential.
I suffered for years with endometriosis (I've only got one, luckily) till I had my tubes tied and took about 3 months' with no break on BCP. Whatta ya know, it worked and the tiny scars are long gone.
Glad all is well! I had endometriosis, adenomyosis (where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall) and a football-sized fibroid. They had to cut across my entire stomach old-school style and of course my stomach flops over now, big time. But it was worth it to get rid of the horrid periods. Clots were huge and the bathroom looked like a scene from the movie Carrie!
Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues is amazing — there is one monologue called “CUNT” which is particularly celebratory. I directed this play twice - with a cast of 40 women. WE built a sweat shop and had some of the monologues delivered while women were sewing bras.
AMAZING!!! I love that play.
I don't pretend to know what it feels like to be in a body that's gone through what yours has recently, but I do know a thing or two about performance, and this was marvelous! Also, I got to learn and laugh at a few new terms that are totally going in my lexicon. Reading the "footnote" of this essay makes it even more impressive, Eileen. Living is a lot of work. Keeping joy and honesty centered in that work even harder. My hat is off to you for appearing to do just that.
Rest up, thug-muffin. You've earned it.
❤️❤️❤️ thug muffin ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Elizabeth. You are the best.
"The things we do for people in lab coats!." So many great lines. You are a champ. I'd so wowed by the process you and Nan went through with the care and feeding of the first slam. I have to admit, my favorite part, even above all the great lines and euphamisms was the laugh at the end.
Thank you, Susan! You are one of our esteemed slam goddesses and I look forward to you being an integral part of our growth.
I completely forgot about the laugh until I saw the video. I was so relieved I didn't fuck it up and it showed!
Very great! As a fellow (ahem) former sufferer of the too tight twat, I can totally relate. I hated the physical therapy, though, but it helped me learn to relax those muscles. Funniest thing, though, the therapist gave me the tail end (ahem) of a GIANT bottle of lube so I could practice more comfortably with one of those things that helps do the trigger release thing and of course I left it out. I had a house cleaner come in, an old lady who was a friend of a friend. She never said anything and hasn't been back, but I avert my eyes if I run into her someplace. The bottle, if full, would have been a lifetime supply of lube for a swim team. I'm still laughing about it. Thanks for reminding me.
Now you have me very intrigued about what you women are doing. I'll try to be on the next one so I can watch to see if I'm brave enough to eventually participate.
Glad the video is on Youtube. Going to my girlfriends!
Name withheld...Oops!
The industrial sized lube is hysterical. I'm sure some eyebrows were raised ;)
Please keep coming to the slams and PLEASE consider telling a story. We need more tight twatted perspectives!
Love this. Evolution, openness to change. It means we're not stuck. That things can always get better. It's hope. So much respect for your project, for the team that made it possible, and for you. ❤️
We are not stuck. Love you back, Ms Wolfie. 💗
❤️!
Wow! Crazy and hilarious story. But also . . it's posted on the yootoobs?! Impressive!
I'm her tech girl! It's all going to be on YouTube, too. After the slam. xo
Great job on everything. And I'm super proud of the cajones it takes for putting yourselves out in the world too.
Thanks, Heidi. I've been having a blast getting this started. I'm inspired! xo
Congrats on getting back to live storytelling post-DBS, that's huge! The part about feeling like your 100% doesnt add up to much really lands. I went thru something similar recovering from a concussion where my cognitive load was shot for months. That honest collaborative process you describe with Nan sounds like the healthiest way to work when you're dealing with limitations. Looking forward to the Love Boat show!
I am learning by talking to others with brain stuff that time is tricky. You think you're better but yet you're not and you continually find out the hard way. I do feel like I'm getting the most out of rehabilitated brain these days. I'm glad you're coming to the Feb show!!
Good to hear from you!
If you want the best lists of names for all the, erm, parts on both men and women, search here for Robin Wilding. She's hilarious not only with those, but everything else. (Also has a chronic disease)
Your life chapters are always written with pizzazz, Flyleen! At the risk of redundancy, Strong Girls Rock and you fall high up in that category.
Everyone needs a friend who checks their fuel level-- a treasure indeed--HOWEVER--that self-esteem component-- CRUCIAL. ~J
Thank you Janice. I appreciate your kind words 🥰
Yes to all of this. All the words (ladyflower!!). All the friendships. Even all the days when you can't muster a smile to save your life. Thank you for being you.
Back atcha, Smithie. (I’m in a nickname mood) 🥰
10/10 A+++++++ for your storytelling abilities! 💯
YAY for the Caroline rating system!!!
Love, love, love this. Your story is beautifully told, and needed (on many levels). Thank you!
Thank you, Billie Jo. xoxoxo 💗
That story was hysterically funny and brave. Just like you, Eileen. I laughed out loud, and then I cried a little bit over your reflections. xoxoxo
Oh, Helia. Appreciate you so much. Laughing and crying are my best compliments. love you lots 💗
"A lesson in accepting things as they are, not how I’d like them to be. Time to name it and reframe it.' Sadly accurate, along with your comment on everyone's angry about a lot of different things. I never thought I'd grow older into such a divisive climate. Not the America we were sold and raised on.
Me neither, Ray. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts here.
Of course.