Yesterday I cleaned out my station and paid up my color and booth rent bills and walked out of Salon W for the final time as an employee. We all knew this day was coming but with the excitement and crazy that came with producing a sold out show on Sunday, my final day as a stylist on Saturday seemed just another day. I knew I would have most of these amazing fellow employees in the audience. Clients would be there as well. It was a comfort, a nice little padding in this ostrich hold I’d stuck my head in.

In the final throes of the show, switching my brain towards what lies ahead, my heart began to hurt a bit.

This was a place where, when I moved I felt so lonely. Feelings that are so far removed from my experience they seem comical. I have developed friendships that I will keep forever. I have inside jokes with my girls that will fuel even my darkest days. The laughter that rings in my heart when assessing the most ridiculous of human behavior, that will sustain.

This was a place where my clients felt at home. Time and time again for the past three and a half years, they spoke of the comfortable and laid back environment of Salon W. They loved the freedom and let’s be honest, they loved the wine. They loved how the salon supported me in my Grad School Thing. . . right up until it took me away.

We have all scrambled to contact as many of my clients as possible. Even last night, I had a text from one with “what’s going on???” and I felt so bad that I hadn’t called her. I’m still trying to tie up those loose ends. I have great people to refer my clients to and for that I am ever thankful.

It has truly, truly, truly been my pleasure to be a part of this family.

The sinks and those crackled cabinets be damned!

I take away lessons and skills that will fuel my next adventure, and I have learned by example, from each of you, how to do it right.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, and for letting me go and encouraging me to fly. Thank you for your tireless energy, your 90’s on the 9 mornings, your eyerolls and high fives at just the right time in the day. Thank you for the crazy, the off the wall and the care that you took with my clients.

You are loved.

And I will see you again.

at the first sight of my own roots.

And just like that…it’s over.

Yesterday was a continuous string of transformative moments. I was strung pretty tight, and know what to do about that day of show stuff for next year. But it came together. We arrived at the theatre, early. Ryan and PseudoSis 1 Michelle were there with our set furniture. The theatre what was supposed to already be pre-set with chairs was…mostly pre-set with chairs. Our contact/tech guy wasn’t there until after we expected him to be. Lots of little frustrations like no toilet paper in the restrooms, stage not clear, no trash liners in the trashcans in our getting ready space…it’s the details, right? Ugh.

BUT.

Our cast arrived and the energy was crackling and we did our walk through on our GORGEOUS set, we spiffed and posed for pictures. Heather, Julie and I were graced by beautiful flowers to plant, and cards and gifts of pedicures. It was happening.

400 people were arriving. Waves and waves of people. The theatre was packed.

As we entered the stage they gave a round of applause that really just felt like a blanket around us. They were ready. They were ready for this ride!

My own nerves bubbled up and I completely screwed up the opening remarks. Skipped the sponsor thank you’s the details that I so meticulously put on paper…skipped right over it. Jumped straight to the stories.

But hey, that’s what we were there for, right?

And they were. That audience was with us every word, every page turn, every breath. They laughed and cried and clapped and laughed and clapped. They were in it. Story after story. Each one delivered with such grace and timing and courage.

I couldn’t have been more proud of each reader. I felt like I would burst.

It was finally my turn, and my story was met with the same gracious welcome as the previous stories had been. My mom laughed, my sister laughed. It was good.

I stumbled again over the closing remarks, but got the stuff I missed in the opening and thanked our sponsors! But damnit my heart was pounding and my eyes were jumpy and I had a case of cottonmouth that cannot be described.

We took our bow (s) and we hugged and laughed.

It was over.

Engulfed in well wishes and requests to speak at other engagements, and posing for pictures…I barely remember the details. I kissed Mark. I hugged everyone. Clients, friends, family…

The cast were each embraced in their fan base, love, support and laughter just echoed throughout the theatre. They really did something on that stage, the connections…it showed.

The same group of angels cleared the set, cleaned up the sponsor table things, cleaned up all of the things…We went to The Wedge for some after partying and re-living and more laughing.

We made plans for a reunion that includes Granny’s pies and we toasted our success.

Mark and I went home to Norman, he built a fire in the fire pit and we sat on the porch and had some wine and re-lived it all.

It really was magical.

Today I gave myself the day off. I napped. I started laundry. I watered flowers. I answered some texts, but mostly had the phone turned off. Tomorrow I will return sponsor things, make deposits into our account, settle up with our venue, study for finals, clean out my station at the salon and begin to wrap my head around it all.

But tonight…

Tonight I’m going to re-live it all again. I’m going to feel proud of the thing that Julie and Heather and this cast and all of our helpers, this amazing thing that we did.

 

This is the day that brings meltdowns and crazy voices. The day before the day before is breeding ground for the what if’s and the nerves and anything negative that one could possibly think.

Physical, mental and emotional weariness sets in and the excitement has one day of pause. Tomorrow will be the “tomorrow is our show ya’ll” day. Sunday is the day of the show ya’ll day. Today…

Today is the day before the day before.

Generally on this day I can be found sitting on the side of the bathtub doing any amount of melting down.

I broke a tiny bit today after I said goodbye to one of my utmost favorite clients. I just cannot with that…

I had some scheduling crazy at work, trying to get everyone in for one last hair banging. I needed to get to my alternations lady 30 minutes north  so that I could get my dress, then back down to my hood for my spray tan.

Initially we were going to meet my family for dinner. I had to pull the plug on that plan. Just too much.

So. Here I sit. With dirty knees and neck, just had some mediocre General Tso’s chicken. I have an entire evening to make a few more lists, to finish putting the program inserts in and to put myself to bed. I’m exhausted.

But here’s the thing.

This show? It’s all worth it.

Come Sunday at 2:10 pm? none of it matters. The things I got right. The things I missed. The seats that are empty. None of it. What matters is that the stage will be full of amazing, brave writers who are sharing their stories. What matters is the audience of close to **400 that will receive those stories and connect in a way that they truly aren’t prepared for. What matters is the connections and the phenomenal bonding that has taken place within the cast…friendships that weren’t three months ago…are. What matters is the money we are giving to Infant Crisis. Because no baby should go hungry.

So tonight, I’m going to allow myself a little meltdown. I might even go to sleep before the sun goes down. I’m going to make some lists and delegate them to family tomorrow.

And I am going to savor this ride. I’m going to throw my hands above my head and scream with joy. Because it’s one of the best ones I’ve ever ridden.

The day before the day before the show usually takes me out at the knee. Today, I’m going to just let it take me to bed.

**we have 17 tickets left to sell.

 

Have I lost your trust yet?

I’ve claimed that our LTYM show has sold out.

TWICE.

And really it has. But I know we have a lot of hours between now and 2:00 pm on Sunday May 5th, and I promise you this. The thought of one of you Not seeing this show? It breaks my heart. This is magic. There will be more magical LTYM:OKC shows. There will. But this is the first one. This is the first cast. It won’t be THIS again.

And it kills me to think about turning people away.

SO

We took the plunge and bought the final 50 seats this morning. We have something in the 30’s remaining to sell. It’s more money for the babies at Infant Crisis. And it’s more people who will get a taste of something really special on Sunday.

If there is anyone that YOU know, that doesn’t know about this? Give them a heads up, won’t you?

http://www.ticketstorm.com for tickets.

 

#LTYM#OKC HAS SOLD OUT.

TWICE.

I have had no sleep. Raccoons and lists and various bits in my brain.

SOLD DAMNED OUT YA’LL!!!

I was on tv this morning with the dirtiest, stinkiest hair I’ve maybe ever had. My mother would absolutely kick my butt if she knew.

Or she might rejoice that she taught me that baby powder at the scalp will act like a dry shampoo and help you out when you’ve only had 3-4 hours sleep and are due on tv that morning.

That Mom of mine.

She’s always teaching me things.

Good thing I can still remember them.

 

Five Days Until Listen To Your Mother Debuts In OKC!

Five. Days.

Seems like a perfect excuse for a list! I’ve got more than five things left to do before LTYM, so maybe we’ll just go with five things you should KNOW about LTYM and if you’re on the fence about buying tickets, this should push you right over the edge!

 

5) Our local cause is Infant Crisis Services. We are doing a diaper drive, in addition to giving a MINIMUM of 10% of our ticket sales to this amazing place. They are doing the work, insuring that no one that asks for help leaves empty handed. Their mission?

Infant Crisis Services provides life sustaining formula, food and diapers to babies and toddlers in times of crisis…Because no baby should go hungry.

Because No. Baby. Should. Go. Hungry.

Let that just sit in your heart for a few minutes.

4) There is an energy flowing between each cast member that is making it difficult for me to find the best adjectives to describe it. You will feel it. It’s support. It’s magic. It’s familial. It’s empathy and understanding. It’s hilarity and bawdy and raucous and fun. All of this is happening between our cast. When you come to the show, this energy will spill out over the stage and into the audience and flow through each one of you. Better than happy hour, any day!

3) The stories of our cast are what they should be. Amazing. Touching. Heartfelt. Emotional. Hysterical. Raw. Vulnerable. Real. I dare you to sit through the show and not nod your head in agreement, not feel a connection in the sisterhood. It is impossible. These stories are the epitome of grace. Real Life.

2) The LTYM movement is growing, gaining strength the likes of an Oklahoma Spring Storm. The time is coming, and it is coming soon, when there won’t be a person that doesn’t know what LTYM is. We in Oklahoma are blessed to get to the party this year. You in the audience? You’ll have bragging rights for years. YEARS!

1) I guarantee you, that for the price of a ticket $15.00, you will not find a better afternoon of pure entertainment, good-cause-fundraising, feel good connections than at the Will Rogers Theatre at 2:00 pm. You are going to walk out of that theatre saying things like, “Ya know, Misti has been telling us…but I had NO IDEA…”

For me, personally, I have butterflies of excitement at the thought of so many of my favorite people in the same room. It’s my favorite thing in the world! Thank you for trusting me and buying your tickets and supporting this thing.

It’s gonna be a great time!

 

Here’s our newest video of rehearsal!

 

 

I am agog.

No really. I am.

I knew today was going to be one for the emo-journal-recordbook. What with the marathon this morning, and the cheering and the fabulous everything that goes along with seeing such grace and humanity in our city, and being able to share that experience with my trusted partner M’Lynn and my new partners, Mark and Amy, it was just a joy filled morning. So many great runners, so much cheering. It is my favorite day.

This afternoon was filled with even more amazement. Our first LTYM rehearsal began with some notes about general business, calming some nerves, talking about what we’ve got lined up for the week and gearing ourselves toward our performance. We then settled in for the read through. It was the first time hearing everyone’s story as told by them. The cast was just flawless. These stories…I had a few moments second guessing my lineup, the positioning of each story and it’s relation to the others in the group…but I think I got it right.

I am exhausted.

Emotionally spent. The last week at work, the client goodbyes, the cheering this morning, the stories and watching the magic unfold this afternoon…seriously. I’m agog. Little drool coming off my chin as I type.

Wow.

Tomorrow morning I’m going to put on the same shirt that I wore today *because jewel tones are good on camera I’ve been told and it’s the only shirt I like right now* and get up at the crack of hmmm-hmmmm and be at the television station at 6am. Bright eyed and bushytailed and ready to promote our show along side Sheradee who not only has just the most touching of stories in our lineup, but has gone above and beyond to hook us up with the PR connections that she still has. We will be on KFOR tomorrow at 6:15 am.

Tonight, I’m making lists, and getting ready for tomorrow. Meeting with our tech guy at the venue, meeting with our set designer, lists lists and more lists!

I’m going to probably have a bite to eat, make a list, and go to bed.

I am agog at the beauty of the show. And exhausted from the emotion

Blessed blessed friend across the miles, I thank you for your thoughts and your energy and your words. You always say what I need the moment I need it. Not a moment too soon. Nor a moment too late.

I love you.

 

Today, I just dump out all the voices onto the blog.

 

Tests for school. Scheduling study sessions at my house. remember to clean my house. 

Weekend rehearsals. Pick up cupcakes. Meet for lunch after cheering at marathon. Take gold lame Elvis cardboard cutout to marathon.

schedule walk thru appointment at LTYM venue. Call set designer. Call tech dude. Make tech punchlist. make final to do lists for Mark/Sound guy. Make photo/video shot lists for photographer/videographer.

Show order. Make copies for rehearsal. Re-adjust as necessary.

Printer. Confirm programs. Pay for it. Deposit last sponsor check. Pay dues to Ann.

Local Sponsor table. Check on that. Organize the sponsors and their “stuff”

Get show book together. Plastic sleeves, binder.

eat a vegetable. Lay off the sodium. Be on TV Monday morning. Find perfectly perfect black shoes for show. Decide on spray tan. Or not. Schedule if yes.

Start writing opening and closing remarks. Write introductions to each piece. Keep it tight. Use the show time for the stories not your jabberwocky.

Get enrolled for final hour of testing in the Fall. Double and triple check each element as to not screw anything else up.

Try to get hair done before show.

For craps sake, take that good pillow down to Norman.

 

 

Last week was perhaps the most bi-polar week I’ve ever lived through. Never before can I remember having so many personal victories overlap so many national tragedies. Adding into that mix time spent at work and school and bartending both Friday and Saturday nights…I’m still just kind of recovering.

I’m focusing on the good, because that’s what I have to do, what we all must try to do to keep our heads above water.

The new job. I told you about that. I’m so excited. I’m slowly telling everyone, getting the word out, referring my clients into the hands of extremely capable and awesome stylists. I think I’ve told you before how I hate goodbyes. As a little girl I would say goodbye to everything while choking back sobs. “Goodbye MeMe. Goodbye Papa. Goodbye fishys. Goodbye waves.  G-g-g-g-goodbye l-l-lake. sob. sob. snort. sob.”

What in heaven’s name was I thinking THIS process was going to be like? Who thought telling my clients about our breakup and my new adventure and all of the change in my life was going to be an emotionless walk down easy street?

*Misti put your hand down.

Good grief.

The last few days of last week were horrible. I went to the nail tech room and sobbed a few times. These people, I’ve become a part of their lives. This relationship we have forged saw good times and bad times, celebrations and mourning, new diets, new clothes, new boyfriends and wives and children. These relationships have all lasted longer than my marriage. This is some bonafied true investment we have going. And to know that this is our last appointment together…

sob.

The last few days of the week were also amazing.

My bestgoodfriend Trisha sent me a gorgeous grown up professional lady handbag in the mail. Kate Middleton Nude. I’m still obsessed. It’s the perfect color. She knows me so well and though we are miles apart and she has three kids and a husband and all kinds of stuff to juggle…here comes this box of shiny love in the mail.

LTYM is moving along nicely. I can’t believe that two weeks from today it’ll all be over. Our ticket sales are really exciting. I hope you don’t wait too late to get yours.

I turned in my final forever final last one forEVER research paper. Done. I’m so over it that I don’t even want to give that more space.

Finally, Mark and I didn’t see each other but maybe once last week, which was awful. But at least it was the night of the horrible weather and we were together and not worrying about individual weather…

The driving back and forth, the being 45 minutes apart, the living out of bags in two different counties…it’s not impossible. It is inconvenient. It has come to a point where we may not see each other for days, and while we both lead busy lives, and will continue to lead busy lives, we at least want to see each when we say goodnight and good morning.

The fact that my job will eventually office out of Norman was really the icing on the cake.

I’ll be putting the house on the market sometime this summer. Hopefully sooner than later. We will be tackling the project of combining stuff, as much or as little as we want, selling or storing the rest, and I’ll move to Norman.

Like he said tonight, “we can do stuff, or we can not do stuff but at least we’ll be doing or not doing it together.”

And that’s exactly it.

We just want to be doing or not doing it together.

So yeah. Some pretty big news here.

This weekend he came up and did yard maintenance  First mow of the season, ice storm debris, all of that. I started looking at the stuff in my house, in my garage and I got a little gurgly. He remains calm, “Don’t even worry about it. We need a garage sale. We’ll get a storage unit. Whatever. It’ll be fine.”

Selling this house will be just fine. It’s a good house. It’s got good bones. It will be good to it’s next owner. Of that, I’m sure. I have no idea how to begin this process, but I have friends that do. And Mark knows a lot about a lot. So I’m not going to worry about the unknown.

Everything is falling into place. It seems akin to the actors called “overnight successes” who have been struggling and working for years previous…It’s been almost 7 years I’ve been working toward something. A lifetime, really, of working towards, wanting a relationship that works, that’s healthy and supportive. I remind myself of the long seasons alone, and the really dark moments of dispair and think Ok.

Ok.

This has been coming my way for a long time.

Job. Career. Life.

All good news.