A month or two ago I auditioned for a little show called LTYM (Listen To Your Mother). You've probably never heard of it-it's only the motherhood version of TED talks that takes place each May in some 32 states. I was not chosen. I was disappointed for a minute but then I rallied and decided to share my disappointment with the world. It's kind of a hobby.
Failure is hard, isn't it? It smarts. I know there are logistics that go into the planning of the show and it is not all about me sucking. Still, had I read better, chosen a different piece, done something different, I would be sharing better news. Winning News.
Then, just a couple days after I received the bad news, something wonderful happened. My very best friend in the world was recognized for her poetry via a different channel. I felt encouraged again. GG supported me, and I supported her, through the submission of our pieces, the long waiting period, and the final verdict. It was fun and we were 50% successful in our submissions. That's not a bad average.
See how I did that there? I've officially attached myself to success. I've hitched my wagon to a star.
Anyway, if you'd like to read the story that got rejected by LTYM, here it is . It's about how I forced people to attend my son's birthday using military tactics. Come to think of it, it may not be the best example of good mothering. If you'd like to read GG's winning poetry, you are just going to have to wait until she gives me permission - I think there are rules involved, yada yada, but soon, I swear. It's worth the wait. And I'd tell you that even if she didn't win.
If you are in the Providence area, please support LTYM 2014 at the RISD Auditorium on May 10. You should go. If you don't believe me, ask your mother.
Chicken out
Failure is hard, isn't it? It smarts. I know there are logistics that go into the planning of the show and it is not all about me sucking. Still, had I read better, chosen a different piece, done something different, I would be sharing better news. Winning News.
Then, just a couple days after I received the bad news, something wonderful happened. My very best friend in the world was recognized for her poetry via a different channel. I felt encouraged again. GG supported me, and I supported her, through the submission of our pieces, the long waiting period, and the final verdict. It was fun and we were 50% successful in our submissions. That's not a bad average.
See how I did that there? I've officially attached myself to success. I've hitched my wagon to a star.
Anyway, if you'd like to read the story that got rejected by LTYM, here it is . It's about how I forced people to attend my son's birthday using military tactics. Come to think of it, it may not be the best example of good mothering. If you'd like to read GG's winning poetry, you are just going to have to wait until she gives me permission - I think there are rules involved, yada yada, but soon, I swear. It's worth the wait. And I'd tell you that even if she didn't win.
If you are in the Providence area, please support LTYM 2014 at the RISD Auditorium on May 10. You should go. If you don't believe me, ask your mother.
Chicken out
Sorry your piece wasn't accepted but congrats to your friend times two. One for her poetry making it through and also for having a sweet, supportive friend like you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary-you are the sweet one!
ReplyDeleteYou know, you are still a winner in my eyes, whether you were chosen or not.... Their loss doll!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, NS3. I appreciate the kind words.
DeleteIn my opinion, they missed a good 'un. Will you try again next time? You should.
ReplyDeleteI need to get busy reading your archives!
Thanks Jenny_o. Maybe. i'm not sure. I'll definitely try something
DeleteI am not doing well this morning after having to get up at 3 because I couldn't breathe (just a cold), so I'll pass on reading the link. Otherwise, you win my award for a very creative, interesting blogger.
ReplyDeleteHi AC-sorry to hear you are not well. I hope you are feeling better now. Thank you for the kind words.
DeleteFailure is easy, Dealing with it can be hard, or not.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should have thrown a few readers points their way??
SS-haha. Failure is remarkably easy. I can do it blindfolded with both hands behind my back. Next time I'll be sure to sprinkle plenty of points everywhere!
DeleteI've had a couple peer-reviewed articles where it was suggested I must have failed math in elementary school.
ReplyDeleteJ.D. Salinger and Agatha Christie were also rejected, so you have good models to emulate.
Thanks SFM. I will keep that in mind~
DeleteI have heard of LTYM and I all I can say is they don't appreciate how funny your are. I do love that you are attaching yourself to your friend's success. I need to start scouting around for some successful friends that I can latch onto.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl, yes, in the face of personal ineptitude, successful friends are the way to go:-) You, however, do not seem inept. In fact, I may attach myself to you.
DeleteThey must have had their blinders on. You've got the right attitude, though. On to bigger and better things!
ReplyDeleteShelly! Welcome home and thanks!!
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ReplyDeleteI practically grew UP with the folk at LTYM! Seriously -- Ann Imig was one of my first bloggy friends.
ReplyDeleteYou want I should rough her up?
Next time, Chicken! NEXT TIME!!
Pearl
Nah, but thanks for the offer, Pearl. Ann looks best with all her teeth. Next time, I'll read something more appropriate, perhaps. If I can think of anything.
DeleteYou would have brought the house down with that one! Keep submitting. Eventually, you will wear them down.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm thinking, Jayne! Tenacity has always been my weapon of choice. Well, that and crying.
DeleteI totally agree with your self esteem as a successful person, your blog itself renders enough proof.
ReplyDeleteT.V. shows of any kind are very twisted terrain as far as their elegibility standards, predetermined requirements,inept people in charge and endless etceteraes. All you need to prove this is watching any contest show, or see the type of people they choose to appear plus the idiots you don't get to see in key positions. A most sorry bunch can be found on most TV stations.
This is a world wide phenomenon, because if you democratize TV, you would give the people a true voice, which may not be in agreement with every determination dictated by the powers that be,anywhere.
Success has so many variables and standards, that it comes down to your personal views, which kind of victory has a meaning for you. I think you are a good mother even if I disagree with the military style of forcing attendance to your kid's birthday party. Sometimes the more the merrier but also it is nice to count on the better few. Ultimately it's your party.
I appreciate your visit to my blog and in there I replied to to your accurate comment.
Hi Carlos-thank you for the encouragement:-) And really, I didn't force anyone to attend. It was totally voluntary, I swear!
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