So it’s been a week, and Judy and I are already making BIG plans. I’m going to chronicle our journey for a a few reasons:
When we feel overwhelmed, we can look back and see all that we’ve accomplished
I have a bad memory and chances are it will be good to have some notes along the way
I am also doing this so that a person toying with the idea of applying to host next year is able to see the process and get the inspiration to make it happen in their city.
So. Task numero uno- Find a venue.
Judy and i have been considering venues since the day we got the email announcing the Indianapolis would be on this year’s roster. There are beautiful performance spaces all over town, and the event coordinators we’ve been in contact with could not be more helpful or friendly.
We keep hearing that all we need are a podium and a microphone, and chairs for the audience.
We are touring our top two spots on Monday. Once we have the location nailed down, you’ll be the next to know the time and place!
For past couple of Mother’s Days, I’ve watched Listen to Your Mother blossom and grow. I’ve had friends drive hours to participate, I’ve listened to stories online. Last summer, Judy and I decided that it was time. It was time to apply to bring LTYM to Indianapolis. I mean, with a few experienced bloggers having already participated, and having such a solid core of women bloggers here in central Indiana, surely we could pull together a show. Right? Right!
So we applied.
AND THEN WE GOT ACCEPTED.
So we are doing “this.”
And what is “this”?
This is a show that will be locally produced and directed in twenty four cities across the country.
This is a show that will be comprised of local writers and readers, local women who have something to say about their own mothers, or on being the mom themselves.
This is a show that will hopefully be the inaugural event that will become a Mother’s Day tradition in our fair city.
What’s next: Judy and I first have to secure a venue and set a date. As soon as we know a date for auditions, we’ll let you know, I promise.
So….wanna audition and/or help in some other way?
Not local? Meet the other directors around the country- I bet there’s one near you!
Last week, the Hallmark Moments and Milestones Tour made a stop in Indianapolis, and brought all of their Hallmark goodness with them.
I’ve admitted to playing card store before, so it’s no surprise that their newest campaign, Tell Them What They Need to Hear got me right in the heart. Before I say anything else, let me open this blog post how they opened our session:
Everyone You Know Has Something They Need to Hear
It’s a simple concept, really. It’s a simple concept, but in today’s world, not always the easiest to put into action.
We took a little time at the event to think about and then share who we need to tell something to-we even had pretty cards to print our ideas on.
Here’s the thing. There are a lot of people I need to talk to. Which is funny, because pretty much I’m “talking” on the Internet all the time. Real conversations are harder to come by. Talking on Twitter and Facebook is much like small talk at a party- you’re not going to get too personal or too deep on public social channels. There’s also the fact that some of the people I love the most aren’t online at all.
During the workshop, I started to formulate a plan. It’s safe to post here because my grandma is one of those people I love who isn’t online.
On October 17, 2013, my grandma will be 100 years old. I think a milestone like that deserves some pretty serious celebrating. I’m going to start the celebration this month, and tell my grandma something she needs to hear every month leading up to the big day. I’ve already written out her “Happy 100th Thanksgiving” card, and will mail it soon.
Tell Them. Go ahead. You’ll be happy you did.
A Hallmark artist starts with a block of wax, sculptes the ornament and then goes ot the craft store to design his clothes. Amazing!
During the event we also heard from Hallmark writers, and a sculptor of Keepsake Ornaments (truly amazing process). Christmas is a time when there are some really special things from Hallmark, including Keepsake Ornaments, recordable storybooks, personalized cards (and invites! and plates!) and their newest edition, Interactive Story Buddies.
The Discount Code: Are you already planning your Christmas cards? Hallmark can help. On Hallmark.com, you can design your own personalized cards, and Hallmark will even mail them for you. It’s kind of amazing. Invitations can also be designed, as well as party plates with personalized photos. Are you ready to create? Go to Hallmark.com and do just that. Then use this code BLOG30 to save 30% off your order!
The Giveaway: Just in time for the Holidays, dear reader, you have the opportunity to win an Interactive Story Buddy (have you seen them? they are amazing)! Just leave me a comment- tell me who you’d like to gift the book to, or who needs to hear something you can tell them. Additional entries can be earned by liking Family Fun in the City, tweeting and following me on Twitter (just follow along with the fancy Raffle Copter).
Make sure you use your best email and I will pick a winner Wednesday evening, around 9pm. The winner will have 24 hours to reply, after which, if there’s no response, I will choose a new winner.
