Listen to This

When I was a new mother of twins I was clearly in over my head. I had no idea what I was getting into. In between changing diapers, yelling at my husband, making bottles and endless, futile attempts to get my babies to sleep, I craved interaction with other women who were going through the same shock to their systems.

Eventually I got up the courage to attend a mothers of twins club meeting and as soon as I walked in the door I knew I had found my people. Nine years later I still cherish the friendships I made through that group. I've shared my darkest and brightest moments with those women and I love their children like they are my own.

Back then I had never heard of a blog. When my husband first started using the word I thought he was kidding. When he explained to me what it was, I thought it sounded like the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard of. What kind of crazy person would tell their stories on the internet for any Joe Schmoe to read and comment on?! I have no time for that.

Meanwhile I was devouring books like Mothers Who Think, The Bitch in the House and Because I Said So. These women writers were sharing the stories that I was living. The labyrinth of emotions I was trying to navigate suddenly didn't seem so scary. By sharing their stories, these women I had never met made me feel validated and less alone in the land of motherhood. If I had known back then that there mothers out there typing out their stories daily on blogs, I would never have left my computer.

We all know how this story ends. Of course I started my own blog. I never tire of reading how other women approach motherhood. Every woman has a story to tell and every woman can learn something from hearing the stories of others.

Two years ago when Ann Imig put together the Listen to Your Mother show in Madison, Wisconsin, I followed along from my computer and wished I could attend. Then last year, Stacey and Elise put on a show in Spokane and again I followed along from my computer and wished I could attend.

So when Listen to Your Mother put out the call for new cities interested in producing a show, and Kim tentatively raised her hand, I thought maybe I can do more than follow along from my computer this year.

Which leads me to this. Scroll down and check out the Director/Producer team for the 2012 San Francisco show. I am so excited to be partnering with Kim and I am thrilled to be a part of bringing Listen to Your Mother to San Francisco.

"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."