Then, "How are we going to pay for the makeup and for our expenses?" Then, "WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?"
Well, they say that life is a journey NOT a destination and never has that been more true than with this project. As soon as I was contacted by Purva at V-Day to confirm my participation I jumped in with both feet. If you haven't had a chance to see my video, watch it, becasue it tells the story of how I got here. Essentially I did Eve Ensler's makeup for The September 2007 production of A Memory, A Monologue a Rant a Prayer. I had seen the Vagina Monologues many years ago but never knew about the V-Day movement until I heard Eve being interviewed by the press. (Coincidantally the first celebrity I ever did was Linda Gray, of Dallas fame, when she was in Atlanta performing the Vagina Monologues in 1999). I soon realized that the Vagina Monolgues was way more than a funny play about Vaginas and embracing and celebrating our womanness. It is a movement to END all violence against women and girls. I learned that V-Day is one of the top 10 charities to give to and has raised more than 50 million dollars which goes directly towards the women and children who need it. Check out http://www.vday.org/ for a full run down of all their accomplishments.I was in. In fact, many of you don't know that I have a sociology degree and nearly ended up a woman's studies major. I have actually struggled throughout the years with my decision to be a makeup artist becasue I truly thought I was going to change the world since I graduated college at the age of 19. I truly thought I was going to be a professor. Here I am full circle. I am part of an organization which is out to change the story of women on our planet. And, I get to be a makeup artist. Cool.
I asked Mary Jane Mahan to meet me for coffee. I explained to her what I had been charged with. "5000 women?" "5000 women". "That's a lot of lipstick". Mary Jane is a rockstar. It has been a learning experience for all of us involved. Nobody told us how to do this. We asked," How are we going to do this?" We came up with the idea of the affirmation card. Everyone we made over would get one signed by the person who purchased it. Then we realized we had to sell it since we are not a charity (yet). The affirmation card was something I wanted to be a part of Authentic Beauty anyway. Here was the excuse to make it a reality. Mary Jane asked Joanna Wallington and her sister Helen to come on board. Within a few weeks we had the idea to ask local businesses to support the quest and Mary Jane showed up with boxes that Helen and Joanna put together until the sun came up. They were beautiful. Then our press release. Mary jane has written all of our information about V-Day and NOLA. She put aside writing her own book to be a part of this project. Then our fact sheet we handed out explaining what we were doing. The cards began to get signed and purchased. As we collected them I couldn't help but be moved. Visit http://www.myimagejourney.com/ and take the time to watch the slideshow of the signed cards and take in what it must have been like for a woman who lost EVERYTHING in Katrina, has felt alone and forgotten to be handed a card with a personal message while being told, "You are beautiful".
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Nikki C. - Giving Back to My Hometown
I only found out about V to the 10th a week before the event even took place. I just had to be there to help make these women faces over. Therefore, I had to go over the river and thru the woods to make sure I was a part of this event and that my job didn't find out. Whew! This trip was especialy rewarding for me. I've been in Atlanta for nearly 10yrs, but orginally from the city of New Orleans. Although I wansn't there when Katrina had her way with the gulf south, but I suffered through it with each and every one of my family members. Special thanks to the Bert show for that back-pack drive. Some of the little ones in my family did benefit from that drive. Thanks.
I can not describe the feeling I got being a part of uplifting these women souls and just giving back to my community in such a way I never imagined. There is nothing like using your God given talent to give back to such a wonderful cause. I can't thank you enough for allowing me such an opportunity that has completely humbled me.
I can not describe the feeling I got being a part of uplifting these women souls and just giving back to my community in such a way I never imagined. There is nothing like using your God given talent to give back to such a wonderful cause. I can't thank you enough for allowing me such an opportunity that has completely humbled me.
JoAnn - Reflections on New Orleans
V-Day New Orleans was more then I had bargained for. The 2 day gathering was to be the 10th year celebration of "Ending Violence Against Women", and to bring" Super Love To The Superdome."
Our trip to New Orleans started early. At 12:30 Fri. morning, an eager and motley crew of 50 women, one 3 year old daughter and one faithful new-age kind of guy, boarded a well integrated bus in Atlanta for the eight hour drive to New Orleans. Twelve of the ladies were professional makeup artists, who were there to pamper and nurture the survivors of the Katrina catastrophe with their special skills and expertise.
The rest of us were (I believe, though I didn't get to talk with each of them), going to learn about what others were doing to empower women and to contribute our time and energy to the cause. There were some stars there giving speeches, like Suzie Orman, Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler. Oprah was supposed to be there but she was too sick to attend.
Many of us tried to sleep on the bus, but there was too much nervous energy to sleep for very long. When we arrived at the hotel at 8:30, they weren't really ready for us. Checkout time for the existing guests was not till 11:00. So after a quick buffet breakfast, our little group decided to help the makeup artists set up for the day.
The biggest shock was the size of this Superdome and the feeling of doom within its circumference. It was huge in all its dimensions. Just in walking through the Superdome one could not help but feel the dark, heavy sadness that still hung in the dense, air conditioned space. Our little troupe marched through like love warriors on a mission, makeup cases, lights and mirrors in hand. How could we possibly make a difference in a place this big that had held so much fear, anguish and distrust?
Friday, the first day, felt chaotic. There were many wonderful speakers, but they were lined up one right after the other. It was too much to absorb. No down time to integrate all that was being said.
The Authentic Beauty coordinator from Atlanta, Alyson, had prepped her team to be aware that they would be on their feet all day standing in service to the victims of the Katrina disaster. One could see the difference in the degree of aliveness in the women's eyes and the smiles they wore on their faces as they left the area. Shari and I took turns handing out affirmation cards and giving hugs to these lovely ladies as they left for the big auditorium.
By late Saturday morning, we all felt a shift. Something had changed. Things were flowing better, anxious anxieties had faded away. We somehow felt safer, more cherished, and more whole. I found it easier to be present in the big auditorium with the thousands of others and the speakers were easier to hear. That night we enjoyed the performance of "The Vagina Monologues", with its many star studded cast.
Eve Ensler said that New Orleans was metaphorically like the vagina of the U.S.; musically alive, jazzy, passionate, moist wetlands that were taken for granted, abused, neglected, and disregarded after Katrina.
I could see this and all the devastation and waste, and yet, as I looked into eyes of the women who were there and saw their strength, courage and fortitude, I was lifted and inspired by their spirit. It was those women who made the journey for me completely worthwhile and totally rewarding. I was gifted by them and I am grateful.
Our trip to New Orleans started early. At 12:30 Fri. morning, an eager and motley crew of 50 women, one 3 year old daughter and one faithful new-age kind of guy, boarded a well integrated bus in Atlanta for the eight hour drive to New Orleans. Twelve of the ladies were professional makeup artists, who were there to pamper and nurture the survivors of the Katrina catastrophe with their special skills and expertise.
The rest of us were (I believe, though I didn't get to talk with each of them), going to learn about what others were doing to empower women and to contribute our time and energy to the cause. There were some stars there giving speeches, like Suzie Orman, Jane Fonda and Eve Ensler. Oprah was supposed to be there but she was too sick to attend.
Many of us tried to sleep on the bus, but there was too much nervous energy to sleep for very long. When we arrived at the hotel at 8:30, they weren't really ready for us. Checkout time for the existing guests was not till 11:00. So after a quick buffet breakfast, our little group decided to help the makeup artists set up for the day.
The biggest shock was the size of this Superdome and the feeling of doom within its circumference. It was huge in all its dimensions. Just in walking through the Superdome one could not help but feel the dark, heavy sadness that still hung in the dense, air conditioned space. Our little troupe marched through like love warriors on a mission, makeup cases, lights and mirrors in hand. How could we possibly make a difference in a place this big that had held so much fear, anguish and distrust?
Friday, the first day, felt chaotic. There were many wonderful speakers, but they were lined up one right after the other. It was too much to absorb. No down time to integrate all that was being said.
The Authentic Beauty coordinator from Atlanta, Alyson, had prepped her team to be aware that they would be on their feet all day standing in service to the victims of the Katrina disaster. One could see the difference in the degree of aliveness in the women's eyes and the smiles they wore on their faces as they left the area. Shari and I took turns handing out affirmation cards and giving hugs to these lovely ladies as they left for the big auditorium.
By late Saturday morning, we all felt a shift. Something had changed. Things were flowing better, anxious anxieties had faded away. We somehow felt safer, more cherished, and more whole. I found it easier to be present in the big auditorium with the thousands of others and the speakers were easier to hear. That night we enjoyed the performance of "The Vagina Monologues", with its many star studded cast.
Eve Ensler said that New Orleans was metaphorically like the vagina of the U.S.; musically alive, jazzy, passionate, moist wetlands that were taken for granted, abused, neglected, and disregarded after Katrina.
I could see this and all the devastation and waste, and yet, as I looked into eyes of the women who were there and saw their strength, courage and fortitude, I was lifted and inspired by their spirit. It was those women who made the journey for me completely worthwhile and totally rewarding. I was gifted by them and I am grateful.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Nikki N. - Everything That Rises Must Converge
Everything that rises must converge. Yes, I'm stealing Flannery O'Conner's words, but this is the phrase that keeps coming to mind when I think about what is happening with V-Day in Atlanta after V to the 10th. We had such an incredible group of people attend, a richly diverse group, and our experiences in New Orleans were all unique. But our worlds all collided, and our community here felt just a little closer-knit, and now we have so many opportunities to work together here in our city. We rise, we come together, we can go even higher.
One of the coolest stories from New Orleans was from Mitchell Anderson, Richie Arpino, Wendy Babchin and Randi Layne. They stayed an extra day after V to the 10th to tour the 9th ward, and ended up meeting a couple working to rebuild there whose children are in college in Atlanta, one of them who traveled with us from Atlanta to New Orleans, and the other who would be graduating the next week. Mitchell opened the doors of his restaurant, Metrofresh, and they threw the most beautiful graduation lunch for the family this weekend. It was an absolutely glorious day in Atlanta on Saturday, perfect for a graduation lunch. It is a small, small world. This is one of the things I take away from New Orleans - that we are all so very interconnected.
One of the coolest stories from New Orleans was from Mitchell Anderson, Richie Arpino, Wendy Babchin and Randi Layne. They stayed an extra day after V to the 10th to tour the 9th ward, and ended up meeting a couple working to rebuild there whose children are in college in Atlanta, one of them who traveled with us from Atlanta to New Orleans, and the other who would be graduating the next week. Mitchell opened the doors of his restaurant, Metrofresh, and they threw the most beautiful graduation lunch for the family this weekend. It was an absolutely glorious day in Atlanta on Saturday, perfect for a graduation lunch. It is a small, small world. This is one of the things I take away from New Orleans - that we are all so very interconnected.
I also wanted to share a couple of photographs from the reception we had for V-Day Atlanta while we were in New Orleans. We are fortunate to have an amazing artist, Gail Foster, in Atlanta, who painted a series of portraits called Faces of Vagina Warriors. Her art was at a gallery in New Orleans called Lyon and Lyon Fine Art, and they graciously opened their doors to us. We were joined by the team from Swimming Upstream following their incredible production at the dome. Thank you to Gail and the other artists who joined us, to Tom Swanston, Mina Porell, and the hosts of the reception - George and Ginair McKerrow, Holli Hines Easton, Lewis Perkins, and Wendy Babchin.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Mary Jane: How My Vagina Birthed a Whole New Me
I went to VDay primarily to support my awesome friend Aly Hoag as she assembled a fantastic team of ten volunteer makeup artists so we could nurture 2000 neglected women from Hurricane Katrina. What I could not imagine was how this trip would allow the birth of my new artist, the healing of my inner-guilt monger and the raising up of my soul.
My team role was producing our communication pieces: the press release, affirmation card, fundraising flyer (I had lots of help). I knew I was going to VDay to assist Aly, I just didn't know how. I am NOT the makeup artist! So when I arrived in the Ansley Mall parking lot for our midnight bus ride, I went on my gut as to what I'd do next. Thank goddess I turned on my digital camera and started shooting video.
WOW! It was love at first zoom, instant chemistry, a lost soulmate finding her way home...I am a documentary film maker! Who knew? Obviously I did, it simply took Eve Ensler throwing a healing party for 30,000 people in New Orleans and my courageous friend for starting her empowerment beauty company for me to figure this out. I got straight to work filming Aly as she met her artists (some for the first time). And I kept the camera on as much as possible over the next 72 hours. The footage is heart-expanding. Stay tuned for the screening party...
My period started on the bus ride. I was unprepared. And there was no convenience store around. Miracles manifested though--I had a few tampons left in my bag; Aly is always well stocked on SUPERPLUS; the beautiful hotel had a fully-stocked stash (now that's class and service). I made it through my first day--always the heaviest--and put all concerns out of my mind. After all, this is my body that my soul's been renting for the last 36 years, and I know how she bleeds. Or do I?
So I'm sitting in Aly's chair and getting some fun makeup put on me before we serve about 500 women. I've just put in a SUPER tampon and I'm ready to go. I get up out of the chair and I hear gasps--oh, honey, um...you've got a problem back here. I have bled straight through my skirt and the mark is the size of a cantelope. There is a puddle of blood on Aly's chair. "What the heck is happening," I wonder out loud. "This isn't my second day! My second day is light!"
"How old are you," a volunteer makeup artist asks as she scrambles to help me. "I'm 36." Aaaahhh the women say in unison. When you get older, your period gets heavier, not lighter. Whaaa???
As this news sinks in, a strong, thick trickle of menses blood rolls down my leg and into my Keens red sandle. I grab a towel, wipe up the river and literally stuff it in between my pants. Our angel Aleska offers me her jean jacket. I beg a hairdryer off the Matrix hair stylists and waddle my way to the bathroom. Several of our crew will get an eye-full of me as i blow dry my sink-washed skirt butt naked (save for the jean jacket which I also bled on).
If there was ever a place to have the news delivered to you that, "Yes honey, it actually gets stronger as you age. Welcome to Womanhood," it was at the biggest Vagina Party of all time. I felt supported and in sisterhood and we all had a really good laugh. I envision the day of such a scene playing out in a five-star restaurant and receiving the same support from my sisters. That is the day we have world peace.
On the bus ride home, we all sang Vagina praises and mused out loud about how this would change us, how we wanted to do even more for the safety and well being of women on the planet. I confessed that I felt guilty and confused because I felt I already had enough on my plate. This caused a ripple effect as woman after woman thanked me for saying outloud what she was feeling too. Our goddess sister Dr. Holm comforted us and shared her wisdom that we are already enough, and to take care of ourselves is a radical, powerful act of peace and love. Amen. Again, I felt supported, nurtured and empowered.
Back to the camera one more time...the most powerful moment of all in this amazing weekend was when I was making all my mistakes while filming. I made a thousand of them! Instead of a customary "you suck, MJ" conversation with myself, I instead chose to love the moment, love how wet behind the ears I was and forgave myself for being so sorely underprepared. This allowed Divine Creativity to surface in my heart and I walked away with a new powerful relationship with myself. This is the only peace on Earth there is. And I gratefully embrace all my midwives who made it possible. Namaste.
My team role was producing our communication pieces: the press release, affirmation card, fundraising flyer (I had lots of help). I knew I was going to VDay to assist Aly, I just didn't know how. I am NOT the makeup artist! So when I arrived in the Ansley Mall parking lot for our midnight bus ride, I went on my gut as to what I'd do next. Thank goddess I turned on my digital camera and started shooting video.
WOW! It was love at first zoom, instant chemistry, a lost soulmate finding her way home...I am a documentary film maker! Who knew? Obviously I did, it simply took Eve Ensler throwing a healing party for 30,000 people in New Orleans and my courageous friend for starting her empowerment beauty company for me to figure this out. I got straight to work filming Aly as she met her artists (some for the first time). And I kept the camera on as much as possible over the next 72 hours. The footage is heart-expanding. Stay tuned for the screening party...
My period started on the bus ride. I was unprepared. And there was no convenience store around. Miracles manifested though--I had a few tampons left in my bag; Aly is always well stocked on SUPERPLUS; the beautiful hotel had a fully-stocked stash (now that's class and service). I made it through my first day--always the heaviest--and put all concerns out of my mind. After all, this is my body that my soul's been renting for the last 36 years, and I know how she bleeds. Or do I?
So I'm sitting in Aly's chair and getting some fun makeup put on me before we serve about 500 women. I've just put in a SUPER tampon and I'm ready to go. I get up out of the chair and I hear gasps--oh, honey, um...you've got a problem back here. I have bled straight through my skirt and the mark is the size of a cantelope. There is a puddle of blood on Aly's chair. "What the heck is happening," I wonder out loud. "This isn't my second day! My second day is light!"
"How old are you," a volunteer makeup artist asks as she scrambles to help me. "I'm 36." Aaaahhh the women say in unison. When you get older, your period gets heavier, not lighter. Whaaa???
As this news sinks in, a strong, thick trickle of menses blood rolls down my leg and into my Keens red sandle. I grab a towel, wipe up the river and literally stuff it in between my pants. Our angel Aleska offers me her jean jacket. I beg a hairdryer off the Matrix hair stylists and waddle my way to the bathroom. Several of our crew will get an eye-full of me as i blow dry my sink-washed skirt butt naked (save for the jean jacket which I also bled on).
If there was ever a place to have the news delivered to you that, "Yes honey, it actually gets stronger as you age. Welcome to Womanhood," it was at the biggest Vagina Party of all time. I felt supported and in sisterhood and we all had a really good laugh. I envision the day of such a scene playing out in a five-star restaurant and receiving the same support from my sisters. That is the day we have world peace.
On the bus ride home, we all sang Vagina praises and mused out loud about how this would change us, how we wanted to do even more for the safety and well being of women on the planet. I confessed that I felt guilty and confused because I felt I already had enough on my plate. This caused a ripple effect as woman after woman thanked me for saying outloud what she was feeling too. Our goddess sister Dr. Holm comforted us and shared her wisdom that we are already enough, and to take care of ourselves is a radical, powerful act of peace and love. Amen. Again, I felt supported, nurtured and empowered.
Back to the camera one more time...the most powerful moment of all in this amazing weekend was when I was making all my mistakes while filming. I made a thousand of them! Instead of a customary "you suck, MJ" conversation with myself, I instead chose to love the moment, love how wet behind the ears I was and forgave myself for being so sorely underprepared. This allowed Divine Creativity to surface in my heart and I walked away with a new powerful relationship with myself. This is the only peace on Earth there is. And I gratefully embrace all my midwives who made it possible. Namaste.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mitchell - The Hand of Whomever You Feel God Is
Back safely from the dangers of Bourbon Street. We had an awesome weekend - and just I suspected, as soon as we landed, I was happy to be there. Nothing like a New Orleans debauchery to make you forget your troubles. The good news is that we didn't burn the candle at both ends. We really rested in between the festivities so I don't feel like I need another vacation.
The V-day event was amazing. Women and Men from over 40 countries participated. Oprah didn't show, but there was an actress from Dallas, Liz Mikel who took her place and basically walked off with show. So moving, funny, and real.
We were able to tour the Lower Ninth Ward. It is still incredibly sad. Most of it has been bulldozed, and what's left standing is completely uninhabitable. We had an incredible experience while there that tells you life leads you to the perfect spot at the perfect time. We were looking at the model house that Brad Pitt is helping to build - just found it really. A nice couple drove up to do the same. Turns out, they lived in the lower ninth, are rebuilding, and their daughter went down to V-day in the bus that Randi Layne (who was with us) and the Chelko Foundation paid for from the Oscar Fundraiser! With tears all around, we all hugged, said a silent prayer of thanksgiving, and the Hamilton's (who are visiting their son as he graduates from GA Tech this weekend) promised to come have a meal at MetroFresh on me! This is the hand of whomever you feel God is!
New Orleans - more than anyplace I have ever been, is filled with fun-loving, hysterical, kind people. We had a waitress at DESIRE, a Bourbon Street Café who still is making me laugh. We wanted to change tables, so I went to ask her permission while she was talking to some other customers. She turned around and, appropriately, READ ME THE RIOT ACT FOR INTERRUPTING. "Do you not see I am talking to these people?" Oh my god - she was totally right. I was totally rude, and my mother would be SO ashamed. I cowered back to my seat, apologizing all the way! We laughed all night long about that. Later, as we left the restaurant in the rain, Joanne said, "Stay right here under the awning." At which point she ran down the street in the pouring rain to find us a taxi. She returned in the front seat of a cab with a Cheshire Cat Grin. Hugs all around and we have a new best friend on Bourbon Street
The V-day event was amazing. Women and Men from over 40 countries participated. Oprah didn't show, but there was an actress from Dallas, Liz Mikel who took her place and basically walked off with show. So moving, funny, and real.
We were able to tour the Lower Ninth Ward. It is still incredibly sad. Most of it has been bulldozed, and what's left standing is completely uninhabitable. We had an incredible experience while there that tells you life leads you to the perfect spot at the perfect time. We were looking at the model house that Brad Pitt is helping to build - just found it really. A nice couple drove up to do the same. Turns out, they lived in the lower ninth, are rebuilding, and their daughter went down to V-day in the bus that Randi Layne (who was with us) and the Chelko Foundation paid for from the Oscar Fundraiser! With tears all around, we all hugged, said a silent prayer of thanksgiving, and the Hamilton's (who are visiting their son as he graduates from GA Tech this weekend) promised to come have a meal at MetroFresh on me! This is the hand of whomever you feel God is!
New Orleans - more than anyplace I have ever been, is filled with fun-loving, hysterical, kind people. We had a waitress at DESIRE, a Bourbon Street Café who still is making me laugh. We wanted to change tables, so I went to ask her permission while she was talking to some other customers. She turned around and, appropriately, READ ME THE RIOT ACT FOR INTERRUPTING. "Do you not see I am talking to these people?" Oh my god - she was totally right. I was totally rude, and my mother would be SO ashamed. I cowered back to my seat, apologizing all the way! We laughed all night long about that. Later, as we left the restaurant in the rain, Joanne said, "Stay right here under the awning." At which point she ran down the street in the pouring rain to find us a taxi. She returned in the front seat of a cab with a Cheshire Cat Grin. Hugs all around and we have a new best friend on Bourbon Street
The Midnight Train Riders - If Your Vagina Could Talk...
While we were on the bus, we collected responses to the question...
If your vagina could talk, what would it say?
Peace, Love, Vagina!
Speak out, I can't hear you!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Thank you for the acknowledgement, it's about time.
I serve you well, take care of me.
Feed me.
Can I come out and play?
I will never be "ugly" again.
I'm sleepy...where's my boyfriend?
I don't know what I want, but I'm OK with it.
New Orleans is the spot!
Let the good times roll!
If your vagina could talk, what would it say?
Peace, Love, Vagina!
Speak out, I can't hear you!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Thank you for the acknowledgement, it's about time.
I serve you well, take care of me.
Feed me.
Can I come out and play?
I will never be "ugly" again.
I'm sleepy...where's my boyfriend?
I don't know what I want, but I'm OK with it.
New Orleans is the spot!
Let the good times roll!
Anonymous - Vaginas of ATL
V - Victory of V-Day
A - Atlanta
G - Goals
I - Intuition
N - New
A - Appreciation
S - Support
O - Opportunity for outreach
F - Fantastic friends
A - Affirmation
T - Trust
L - Love
A - Atlanta
G - Goals
I - Intuition
N - New
A - Appreciation
S - Support
O - Opportunity for outreach
F - Fantastic friends
A - Affirmation
T - Trust
L - Love
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Allison - Magic Happens
Years ago when I saw the Vagina Monologues on stage I knew that I was witnessing something revolutionary. When the Vagina Monologues showed up on HBO, I quickly taped it and made everyone one I know watch it (whether they wanted to or not!). As I have watched both Eve and V-day grow, I find myself in deep admiration of the power that one woman is capable of. One woman brought 1000's of us together at the Superdome to celebrate V-day and SuperLove. One woman with a big vision. It was awe inspiring to sit inside that vision where we were all ignited into our own visions of what is possible. I know that the world will be a better place because of what happened this past weekend in New Orleans.
I was deeply touched by the people of New Orleans. A very vagina friendly town! They were so real. It seems they have truly grown stronger in the face of such intense circumstances. Women who lost everything but still had hope. In the superdome I found myself drawn back in time to those days where thousands of people were stranded in this place. As my thoughts tried to find themselves back in that time, I couldn't help but be drawn into the moment where what was happening in the superdome was this massive movement based on compassion and love. After being in that space, I feel hopeful about all that is possible and know that that is where I want to focus my energy and attention.
We were only there for two days but took in a lifetime of information. I have a vague memory of getting on the bus, but I'm not sure that I ever did or ever will get off the bus!
I was deeply touched by the people of New Orleans. A very vagina friendly town! They were so real. It seems they have truly grown stronger in the face of such intense circumstances. Women who lost everything but still had hope. In the superdome I found myself drawn back in time to those days where thousands of people were stranded in this place. As my thoughts tried to find themselves back in that time, I couldn't help but be drawn into the moment where what was happening in the superdome was this massive movement based on compassion and love. After being in that space, I feel hopeful about all that is possible and know that that is where I want to focus my energy and attention.
We were only there for two days but took in a lifetime of information. I have a vague memory of getting on the bus, but I'm not sure that I ever did or ever will get off the bus!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nikki N. - The Midnight Train to NOLA
The Midnight Train to NOLA just returned from V to the 10th. We had an amazing journey together. The 50 women who journeyed together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of V-Day evolved into a community of conscious ambassadors ready to bring what they heard, saw, and felt back to the city of Atlanta. And do we have stories to tell...
We create this blog to share those stories and reflections.
My personal journey to New Orleans has been a very long road and a whole lot of work. Last April, Eve Ensler joined us in Atlanta for an incredible production of The Vagina Monologues at the Tabernacle. Jane Fonda, Pearl Cleague, Sara Blakely, and many others performed. At the end of the evening, Eve shared with us that the 10th anniversary of V-Day would be celebrated in New Orleans. She challenged us to show up and show up strong. Eve joined us again in September of last year for the Atlanta premiere of A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer and the Midnight Train to NOLA began to be born.
When we arrived at the Superdome, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Just being at the dome was a challenge for me, I was overcome by the images I had seen of the tragedies that happened there, and I felt like the dome was haunted by the pain and abandonment that was endured there. Entering the dome and seeing the amazing stage, the art, the people - we walked through the entrance which had been transformed by a large art installation into something like a vaginal canal, women dancing and drumming as we walked through the doorways. I felt the power of the energy, the fact that all of this started with one woman and a play, a woman who opened her life to a calling so much larger than herself. There I was, 8 years after I saw the play for the first time and my life was changed forever. The emotion took over and the tears began to flow in an overcoming wave. The community of women I was with surrounded me with love, touch, and empathy, and I was able to breathe again.
The journey of V to the 10th began there and turned into a series of moments that challenged and inspired me. Like that first time I heard the words, "We were worried. We were worried about vaginas..." my heart was changed again. I was there in the dome. I remember.
We create this blog to share those stories and reflections.
My personal journey to New Orleans has been a very long road and a whole lot of work. Last April, Eve Ensler joined us in Atlanta for an incredible production of The Vagina Monologues at the Tabernacle. Jane Fonda, Pearl Cleague, Sara Blakely, and many others performed. At the end of the evening, Eve shared with us that the 10th anniversary of V-Day would be celebrated in New Orleans. She challenged us to show up and show up strong. Eve joined us again in September of last year for the Atlanta premiere of A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer and the Midnight Train to NOLA began to be born.
When we arrived at the Superdome, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Just being at the dome was a challenge for me, I was overcome by the images I had seen of the tragedies that happened there, and I felt like the dome was haunted by the pain and abandonment that was endured there. Entering the dome and seeing the amazing stage, the art, the people - we walked through the entrance which had been transformed by a large art installation into something like a vaginal canal, women dancing and drumming as we walked through the doorways. I felt the power of the energy, the fact that all of this started with one woman and a play, a woman who opened her life to a calling so much larger than herself. There I was, 8 years after I saw the play for the first time and my life was changed forever. The emotion took over and the tears began to flow in an overcoming wave. The community of women I was with surrounded me with love, touch, and empathy, and I was able to breathe again.
The journey of V to the 10th began there and turned into a series of moments that challenged and inspired me. Like that first time I heard the words, "We were worried. We were worried about vaginas..." my heart was changed again. I was there in the dome. I remember.
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