BSA-Adjacent: Michelle vs. The Moth

Thursday, March 17, 2022

10:00 PM

It was a sign from the Universe. It had to be a sign from the Universe.

Because I could point to several different steps along the way where I could have chosen the other path.

If I had deleted the email -- but I didn't.

If I hadn't scrolled all the way to the bottom -- but I did.

If I hadn't clicked on multiple links -- but I did.

If I hadn't, I would not be staring at this word.

But I did. And I am. And I know, right down to the marrow: I. Must. Say. Yes. To. This.

~~~

Preface

Have you ever heard of The Moth StorySLAM? It's a live open-mic storytelling event with a theme. People put their names in the hat. One by one, a name is picked, and that person has five minutes to tell a true story that happened to them related to the evening's theme. Ten people will tell stories, and be judged by three three-person teams picked from the audience, and a winner emerges. I've attended StorySLAMs at Swallow Hill in the past. It's a lot of fun.

~~~

Thursday, March 17, 2022

10:00 PM, continued

I am gobsmacked because I have navigated to the event page for the next StorySLAM and seen the evening's theme.

Awards.

AWARDS.

As in, the things I have been giving out for the last year-plus.

I show Mike the website. He agrees it was meant to be, and buys two tickets for us.

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

10:00 AM

Oh, did I mention that the event is tonight?

Yeah. 

I sit at my laptop and try to write a cohesive narrative. 

Stopping, starting, typing, deleting.

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

12:48 PM

What I have so far is a whole lot of blah-blah-blah. I am starting to get anxious. 

On one hand, there's the Taking Risks school of thought. Do the thing before you feel ready, because you're never really ready. 

On the other hand, The Moth's website is very clear: They want participants to be prepared, to have a story with stakes, a story that has a beginning, middle, and end. To know the story by heart but not by rote. To already know their last line. 

I can barely come up with a first line! 

Are they going to roll their eyes at me? Am I going to be that person, the rule-breaking time-waster who decides winging it is artistic and spontaneous, and bores everyone to tears with a pointless jumble of words? Will they yank me off the stage with a giant hook?

I text my friend Jana who says, "Do it!" She gives me a great pep talk with some questions to ask myself that might help guide the story. "Plus I imagine it will be very original." That's true. The odds of there being another participant who has been giving awards to strangers are very slim.

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

6:48 PM

We are at Swallow Hill. I sign the waiver form. I put the form in the hat, which is actually a tote bag. I sit back down with Mike.

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

6:58 PM

I have made a terrible mistake. I'm going to take my form back -- wait, where is the bag? WHERE IS THE TOTE BAG? Nooooooooooooooooooo!

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

[drawing for storyteller #1]

"Please don't pick me please don't pick me in the name of sweet baby Jesus please don't pick me...oh, thank God, they picked someone else."

[drawing for storytellers #2-#5]

In the immortal words of Herman's Hermits: Second verse, same as the first.

[intermission]

[drawing for storytellers #6-#9]

I keep praying that they pick someone else, and they do.

After the ninth person I start to wonder if I will regret not having even tried. The theme is flippin' AWARDS, for heaven's sake. When will I ever have this opportunity again?

*sigh*

"OK, fine. I will do it. Pick me."

~~~

Friday, March 18, 2022

7:46 PM

"Our next storyteller is...Michelle Witt!"

And just like that, as if I had put in a fast food order at the drive-thru, my chance is served up in thirty seconds. 

I take the stage and let the french fries fall where they may.

Friday, April 29, 2022

12:25 PM

Man, am I glad I "let" the Universe pick me. 

Something tall and strong has sprouted in my soul as a result of my stepping beyond my comfort zone.

Something I can lean against the next time I'm facing something that seems beyond my reach.

Bonus: Mike, my dear, rule-following sweetheart, surreptitiously made an audio recording of me telling my story, at the risk of running afoul of the Moth Police. I was reluctant to listen at first. In the end I decided if I had the guts to perform in the first place, I could muster the courage to listen to the performance. And you know what? It wasn't so bad. Especially considering what little preparation had gone into it. Granted, I exceeded the time limit, and when I became animated my voice went up two octaves -- still! It's the most perfect example of process over product. The process is the gift that continues to give.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 055

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Recipient:

Sofia @ Piece, Love & Chocolate, Boulder

Sofia made me the best tiny cup of dark sipping chocolate I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. And she let me sit there on a stool by the window for a long time, looking out at the mountains and writing in my new multimedia journal (extra shout-out to Two Hands Paperie). 

Also, she patiently answered my questions about the business: How is it going? Are you very busy? How well-attended are the classes? This is a particular kindness because Sofia is an introvert. When I heard that, I had to ask how it was for her, being an introvert and working such a public-facing job. She said it's better than working in a restaurant -- too loud, too many people. PL&C is fine; nice people come into the store. At which point a gaggle of tourists crowded into the small space, and I took my leave.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 054

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Recipient:

Jess @ Acova, Highland

Mike and I were having a long-overdue dinner out with our friends Terry and Kaye.

Jess, the Assistant General Manager, did a stellar job. We felt like we were the most important people in the room. And mind you, we were not -- it was a pretty busy night -- which makes this an even more impressive feat. 

First, she came around to our table to check in with us. Oh how I love it when someone in charge does this. The personal touch goes a long way. She could have easily said, "Nah, too busy," but she did not. Then she cracked us up with her banter with Terry about the garlic sauce that was plate-licking good. The whole interaction just lifted our spirits, which is saying something since we were already having a fabulous time.

I gave her the award and she kindly gave me a hug. She also shared the fact that she had been having a rough day and getting the award made her feel better. Being in her orbit made us feel better, and I'm sure we weren't the only ones. Two thumbs up, Jess.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 053

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Recipient: 

Dan @ USPS Buchtel

Dan was nice. He let me use his Sharpie. He didn't make me wait at the filling-out-paperwork counter while I finished writing out my shipping label; he waved me up to the window and helped me figure out the service that best balanced speed of delivery and price.
 
Kind? Yes. Award-worthy? Well...maybe not. I had a hard time imagining anyone getting too excited over permanent markers and postal rates.
 
Anyone but me, that is.
 
I was on to my next errand when I realized I couldn't find my favorite pen. I emptied my purse, and my tote bag, and looked through every nook and cranny of my car. No luck. 
 
I feel the need to confess that we are not talking about a fancy-schmancy writing implement. It was a bit of swag Mike got from a client -- Pilot G2 gel pen, fine point (07), navy ink. I claimed it for myself when he brought it home and, knowing the likelihood of it escaping my grasp, bought more of the same. Except they weren't the same. The new ones did not write as smoothly as the swag pen. Was it because the swag pen had navy ink and the new pens were blue? Was it actually a custom product made for the client by Pilot? I wasn't sure, so I decided this time I would be extra-extra careful and not take the swag pen out of the house.
 
HA-HA! Silly idea. When you have a favorite pen, you want to use your favorite pen whenever you get the chance. Besides, it was now my preferred crossword puzzle pen, and I was bringing the Sunday New York Times puzzle from the Denver Post to the post office because God only knows how long of a line there would be on a Saturday just before closing. Now I was across town and the post office was closed and what chance did I have of finding my pen ever again? Maybe this was a lesson in letting go I needed to learn, a cautionary tale against attachment, the cause of needless suffering.
 
Or not. Five minutes later I was driving back to the post office. Parked in the same spot, walked into and back out of the self-service lobby, looked on the floor, on the ground, in the grass, around the car. No pen. 
 
I was sitting in the car entering an address into Waze on my phone when I saw Dan pushing one of those canvas laundry-type trolleys over to the mailboxes. Hurray!
 
"Hi! It's Dan, right? This is gonna sound crazy, but by any chance did I leave my pen behind?"
"You sure did. Hang on a minute and I'll get it for you."
 
He unloaded the mail into the trolley and I followed him into the building, waiting in the self-service lobby while he went through the locked door. He returned a few minutes later with my pen. I thanked him and he went back inside. I was ridiculously happy to have my cheapo gel pen back in hand; this was an award-worthy occasion. He was off sorting mail behind that sturdy door by then, though, so there was nothing to do but leave it behind where he might find it. And that's the kind of letting go I could live with.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 052

Monday, March 14, 2022

Recipient:

Angel @ Comfort Dental

Angel is the person who scheduled my next dental visit. (Deep cleaning...yay...)

That's her job. Technically it's all that's required of her, like anyone else who has been hired to serve others. And that's why, when a moment of connection occurs, it feels like a gift.

An innocuous comment about Daylight Saving Time opened up an opportunity to get more personal. We talked about kids, school, various challenges. That sharing made me feel lighter of heart. And then she thanked me for the conversation! 

When I gave her the award she said I made her day. 

Angel, you made my day first.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 051

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Recipient: 

Paige @ The Ninth Door, Capitol Hill

 

LETTER TO PAIGE

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Dear Paige,

It was wonderful to see you again last night, and thank you for the stellar service. Being in your section made my birthday dinner even better. And that's saying something, given the delicious tapas and dessert Mike and I so thoroughly enjoyed.

I wanted to also thank you again for your service when I came in a week from last Saturday. You had no way of knowing what an impact you made on my evening.

I was feeling a little sad. When Mike's youngest kid came upstairs to say "we" would be going out for a bite to eat that night, I didn't realize at first that "we" meant just the two of them. The exclusion hurt my feelings even though intellectually I knew it would be good for them to have some one-on-one time. 

Self-care to the rescue.

Called The Ninth Door. The gentleman who answered [chef/owner Brian] said there were no tables open and the communal table was full, but he could save me a seat at the bar. I said that would be great and off I drove.

You may recall that some seats had opened up at the communal table when I arrived, and I could either sit there or at the bar as planned. I normally would have chosen the communal table with its opportunity to talk with strangers. That night, though, sitting at the end of the bar with my crossword puzzle sounded like the most comforting option. 

And so it was. You were very kind and it was a real treat to bypass the small talk and have a deeper conversation (retail vs. restaurant, work anxiety dreams). While I don't give out awards so that people will shower me with gratitude in return, your reaction was very sweet, and as a hugger I definitely appreciated the hug.

Best of all, you didn't think you were the victim of a long con when I got up to leave without paying!

At least I don't think that's what you thought. 

No. The near dine-and-dash (or, in the less-charming vernacular from my Worcester childhood, chew-and-screw) was completely inadvertent. Thank you for reminding me in the most gracious way that I had yet to settle up.

Thank you once more for making my night. Mike and I will return for dinner again soon.

Wishing you all good things,

Michelle

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 050

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Recipient:

Jose @ Trader Joe's, Congress Park

Jose: Can I help you find anything?

Me: My sanity? A few extra hours of sleep?

...

Jose: Well, we do have tater tots.

Fair enough, Jose, fair enough.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 049

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Recipient:

Pat R. @ Meininger Denver, Broadway

 

I was in need of an attitude adjustment. 

[Note to self: You may want to ponder the fact that a good deal of these stories start with you being in a snit.]

Getting in the car and going somewhere seemed like a good start toward realignment. My first stop was Azucar Bakery to pick up a couple empanadas and a little chocolate mousse cake. Second stop, Meininger. Or, H.R. Meininger Co., Fine Art Materials Since 1881.

Long of hair, quiet of voice, and whip-smart of humor, Pat R. was my helper in the store. He showed me what they did have for art mounting boards. He chatted with me about the business. He made me laugh. Best of all, he didn't take me for a stalker when I asked what the R stood for. (My sweetie's father is also a Pat R., so I was curious.)

The store itself was, well, restorative. Meininger has spent 141 years in the business of creativity. I imagine the bricks themselves are steeped in artistic energy. 

I am also a little bonkers for pens, papers, notebooks, and other art materials, which automatically makes this a happy place for me.

And happy I was upon leaving -- much happier than I was when I got there.

Thank you, Pat R. 

P.S.: This magnet really did make me laugh out loud.

I was worried it was too negative, then decided that it was too funny to pass up.

P.P.S.: A few pics for my fellow art supply geeks.

Le Pen! In colors I haven't seen before.

Origami paper. The metallic prints are swoon-worthy.

I've got collages hung up with twine and binder clips. Can't wait to try this instead!

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 048

Friday, February 4, 2022

Recipient:

Juan @ Tattered Cover Kids, Stanley Marketplace

I wanted to pick up something to read. There was a Tattered Cover Bookstore. Great!

Oh...Tattered Cover Kids. I walked back out. I love kid lit, but that's not what I was in the mood for. Except just as I was passing the front windows I saw a sign saying they had books for adults, too. Walked back in, hoping the staffer didn't think I was some kind of lunatic.

Perfect time to ask my favorite random question.

"Do you like working here?"

"Why do you ask?"

"It's just something I ask people generally."

Juan answered in the affirmative. 

He likes the store. He likes the hours. He really likes his boss.

And then the truth bomb:

"Attitude has a lot to do with it."

Damn straight.

P.S.: The book I bought is Amanda Gorman's Call Us What We Carry. Also inspirational.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 047

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Recipient:

Jana @ Denver Graffiti Tour

On Wednesday night I received a text from Kathleen inviting me to join her and some friends for a Denver Graffiti Tour on Saturday. I told her it sounded great! 

Saturday: Running late, bombing down the icy streets with no breakfast, no coffee, no meditation, no gratitude practice, and a choppy night's sleep. Not the ideal way to begin the day. 

Little did I know I was in for a major attitude adjustment.

Our tour guide Jana was outstanding! An East Coast fast-talker and writer, she is passionate about her side gig. She taught us so much about street art and graffiti: the etiquette, politics, changes in perception, issues around diversity and inclusion, and so many stories behind the works.

The works.

Breathtaking. Vibrant. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. 

I felt like my soul soaked up all the beauty, then whispered, "This is what you need in your life. Creativity is where you belong." Made me want to run right home and break out the paint.

Now, I took about eleventy-million pictures, but there is an ethics question around publishing photographs of someone's art. Here are some artists' links. Check 'em out.

Detour303 (Thomas Evans)

Carmen Richards

Koko Brentano

Shannon Galpin

And for heaven's sake, go on a Denver Graffiti Tour yourself! You'll love it.

Denver Graffiti Tour

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: Q3 in Review

 

You may have noticed September 30th has come and gone. I noticed that as well.

October 20th Me:  Oh, dear. Q3 came and went a month ago. I should be writing my review now. Instead, I'm writing up BSA No. 034. Wait, 034? I should have given out 75 awards by now! I don't even have 75 awards made! The wheels are FALLING OFF this project!

Wiser Kind Self:  Perhaps an extension will help? Your amended deadline gave you until the end of the year. What do you think about giving yourself a calendar year? You started the project on February 19, 2021. You could shoot for February 18, 2022 as the new deadline.

October 20th Me:  Yes. Yes, I could.

Then came Isaac's birthday.

Then came Thanksgiving.

Then, the deluge. 

From December 17th until January 8th we were preparing to travel, or traveling, or attending holiday events, or tending to sick kids and/or sick selves. Every. Single. Day.

January 13th Me: Oh, dear. I have 36 days to make 53 awards, then hand out and write up 54 awards. That amounts to 11 awards per week! Two or so per day, with one or two days for writing. I'll never finish in time! I have failed.

Wiser Kind Self: Waah, waah, waah. Take a breath, Debbie Downer. 

You're busy. Guess what? So is everyone else. Nobody made you take on this project. Nobody made you pack your schedule to the rafters. You chose these things. How about feeling grateful that you have this interesting creative endeavor? You can also feel grateful that you've learned a valuable lesson about time management and perhaps do something different next time, like scheduling time between plans to do absolutely nothing. Or, you can feel grateful that you had so much fun going places and seeing people! (You did enjoy yourself, right?) Or some combination of both.

Another thing: You have not failed. Keep going! Do your best! If you don't finish in time to hit the new deadline, so what? Finishing is enough. And remember, done is better than perfect. 

So quit yer whinin' and git to it!

January 13th Me: Uh, is this really my Wiser Kind Self? 'Cause it sounds more like my Wise Ass Self. 

Wise Ass Self: Hee hee! [makes speedy escape on tiny bicycle, wearing gorilla suit, gleefully honking old-timey horn]

January 13th Me: [shakes fist] Damn you, Wise Ass Self! I hate it when you're right.

Onward and upward, again.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 046

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Recipient:

Jason @ U-Haul on Santa Fe Drive

Jason had helped us procure a rental van and walked us outside to show us the location of the after-hours key drop. We turned to say thanks and goodbye. His mask was down around his chin -- fine, as we were in the great outdoors and more than six feet apart -- and I got an unobstructed view of that smile. It radiated a warmth that I could feel even from that distance and gave a noticeable lift to my spirits.

M: You have the most beautiful smile.

J: Thank you! I thank my mother for it every day.

Oh, my heart.

We were already running behind in our Craigslist-furniture-pickup errand so I had to hurryhurryhurry and write out the award, take the pictures, and scurry inside to hand it over. He said thank you and gave me not one but *two* hugs, which made my day.

He thanked me again as I headed out the door and said it made his day. I replied that it was all because of his big beautiful open smile, and he responded, "The world could use more of that!"

Damn. Straight.

The BRIGHT SPOT Awards: No. 045

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Recipient:

Lynn @ A Likely Story Bookshop, Colorado Springs

Wandering into this bookshop was one of those happy accidents. If we hadn't decided to go back to that restaurant, if we hadn't decided to forego valet parking and park ourselves a couple blocks away rather than drive around and wait for a closer space, etc. Fortunately we did go back to Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe for another meal (so good!) and we did park a couple blocks away so that we were in a position to pass by the store. Or, *almost* pass by.

I loved this place as soon as I stepped foot inside. It's exactly what you want a bookshop to be: cozy and comfortable; chock full of books in a way that feels lively rather than claustrophobic; whimsically accessorized with unique gifts and other objects of delight wherever your eye lands. We also enjoyed talking with Lynn, the sparkling owner, who was welcoming and helpful.

Mike and I bought each other books for Christmas presents: This Is Your Mind On Plants by Michael Pollan for him, and The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking for me. Appropriate, as Lynn has created a place that exudes hygge. It is an oasis of comfort, well-being, and togetherness that makes one want to linger for days. On that day, it was balm for the soul, and I am grateful.