Expressing Motherhood

cropped-exmo-600-px-wide

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll nod vigorously and maybe you’ll even say out loud “Amen, sister!” You’ll bop along to the songs of Mommy Tonk and clap and stamp your feet.
You have to go.
Expressing Motherhood is the national hit play that consists of people sharing their stories about motherhood on stage. It was created by Los Angeles moms back in 2008 who were dying to get out of their houses and looking for other moms to hang with. What they have created is a thriving community of people who have either shared their own stories on stage or attended a show.
Trust Me
I appeared in this show twice – first in 2014 in an 8-show run which was terribly nerve-wracking but great for my confidence. I told the story about my long, slow transformation from cool person to PTA mom.
exmo 1
That piece is unpublished, but I think there is video of the performance somewhere on the internet. The experience was so wonderful and gave me the courage to share a much more vulnerable piece about the loneliness of motherhood in a show in the fall of 2015. That essay now appears in Notre Dame Magazine.
exmo 2
Every production of Expressing Motherhood features a different cast, and some performers have never appeared on stage before. Stories range from sad to funny and also include some musical acts! Definitely bring tissues, and be prepared to be entertained.
expressing motherhood cast
Co-Creator/Director Lindsay Kavet continues to produce Expressing Motherhood shows around the country. She is doing the good work.

Looking Forward to Summer 2015 at Knott’s Berry Farm

In a few weekends I’ll be heading down to Knott’s Berry Farm to check out the new ride, Voyage to the Iron Reef!

voyage iron reef knotts

Surfacing May 2015, Voyage to the Iron Reef™ is a spectacular new interactive 4-D ride for the entire family. Riders aim their freeze rays at menacing sea creatures while competing against each other to blast the highest score and save Knott’s from a watery doom.

Good enough for me. I have two young boys – one is a daredevil and one doesn’t like thrill rides. But he does like video games. I’m thinking this new ride will get him to try out a new experience and maybe enjoy a day at an amusement park like he did when he was only 5.
nighttime at knott's
Last time I came to Knott’s with my younger son, who loved not only the roller coasters but also the amazing variety of live entertainment at the park. Basically we went from one live show to another, fitting a ride in between. I’m hoping the other kid enjoys the shows too because another new feature this summer at Knott’s will be Vertical Impact, Geared Up, a high energy show combing acrobatics and extreme sports along with current music and an after-party. Show runs June 13 – August 23 (no shows on Mondays & Tuesdays)
I will be a guest of Knott’s Berry Farm and Giga Savvy. The opinions in this post are my own.

Listen To Your Mother. No, Really. April 27 in Orange County [Ticket Giveaway!]

Next Sunday, the national show Listen To Your Mother will happen in Orange County (Santa Ana). It is worth a day trip for this, my friends, I promise you. In addition to talent from OC and San Diego, the cast features several Los Angeles area moms including Agoura Hills’ own Julie Gardner!

“The mission of each LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER production is to take the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor.

LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER aims to support motherhood creatively through artistic expression, and also financially–through contributions to non-profit organizations supporting families in need.”

Watching and listening to women standing in front of an audience, reading their original, curated work regarding motherhood, is a moving and powerful experience. I’ve seen several such performances, I can guarantee you that you will have a wonderful time.

Listen To Your Mother
April 27, 4:00 PM
The Ebell Club
625 French Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 547-6331
Website

Ten percent of ticket sales go to benefit WisePlace, a women’s shelter in Santa Ana. Buy tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/611696 OR, enter to win one of 10 pairs of tickets that LTYM is giving away, below!

a
Rafflecopter giveaway