Storytelling

What am I doing on Thursday?

I'm speaking on a stage in front of about 300 people.  I'm tapping my foot as I type this; I'm nervous.  I nearly changed my college major just to avoid speech class; I stuck it out and here I am getting ready to tell my story in front of a lot of people.

But every person in this audience is rooting for me.  Aside from my husband, and my in-laws, and the ten or more girlfriends who have purchased tickets just to see me speak on Thursday, I know that this audience, in particular, will be supportive and loving.  It's what this event is all about.

Listen to Your Mother is about giving motherhood a voice.  The talented Ann Imig started LTYM in Madison, Wisconsin, and it grew to 24 cities around the country. I am honored and, frankly, a bit incredulous that I'm going to be on the stage this year in Austin. 

Sitting in my row will be 12 other cast members and Wendi, Liz, and Blythe, who have put it all together.  There is Jill.  Nettie.  Nita.  Max.  Tristan. Ruth. Cynthia. Donna. Kimberly. Bernadette. Ava. And Lauren.

New castmates and now friends, every one.

I can't wait to show you my reading when it posts to YouTube.  I can't wait to share with you the other 14 essays that will be read that night.  You will laugh, I promise.  You will cry, I promise times ten.

It's going to be one of most incredible nights of my life.  My husband's parents are driving in from San Angelo, and at least 10 of my girlfriends in town are coming to the show.  The show of support is humbling, to say the least.  I feel incredibly loved. 

Thanks for listening to my stories all along.
 
Love,

P.S.  If you are attending, here is some special traffic/ parking information:

Special Downtown Traffic Notice
Temporary Street/Parking Closures & Possible Delays Expected

Austin Police Department has notified the Downtown Austin Alliance that parking and traffic on specific downtown streets will be temporarily shut down due to the Presidential visit on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Street Parking Restrictions
On Thursday, May 9 from midnight to 6:00 p.m., on-street parking will be prohibited on all streets within the boundaries of Congress Avenue, IH-35 West Frontage Road, East 5th Street and East 9th Street.  Violators will have their vehicles towed at the vehicle owner's expense. This could modify slightly, please look for the NO PARKING signs that will be posted on Wednesday.

Temporary Street Closures
The following streets/blocks will be closed to all traffic from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:  

• Brazos Street from 6th to 9th Streets
• East 7th Street from Congress Avenue to San Jacinto Street

The following streets/blocks will be closed to all traffic from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  There will be no access or egress to or from garages located within the closures during this time period.  This will be strictly enforced.

• San Jacinto Street from 10th to 7th
• East 7th Street from Congress to San Jacinto Street
• East 8th Street from Trinity to Congress Avenue

General Traffic Disruption
It is possible that traffic delays or other routing changes may occur in areas surrounding the above-stated locations between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Please plan accordingly.

If you have specific questions about accessing a business, property or hotel within the affected areas, please contact APD Detective Scott Glasgow by calling 974-5987 or by email at scott.glasgow@austintexas.gov.