THE YEAR THE STAGE BECAME MINE (book chapter preview)

Wow, I never received so many replies to this newsletter as last time! Thanks for cheerleading and sharing your experiences, it was a real motivation boost for me.

Here’s a second sneak preview for you, this time a vignette from my childhood, that was filled with creativity, and a teacher that changed the game for me.

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1993. The year the stage becomes mine

I peer left, then right, squinting past the giant bag slung over my shoulder. It blocks my view of the street, but I don’t dare to drop it, as the content is too exquisite. In the bag are three hand-me-down dresses from my aunt, funny hats, high heels, reading glasses, facial paint, and lots of other accessories that will transform Suzy, Laura and me into  the quirky old characters from the song we are about to lip sync in front of our classmates.

Friday is my school favorite day, when my teacher hosts an open mic in the afternoon. On the days prior to open mic day, I use every free second planning what to perform, choosing outfits, finding friends to join and practicing until it’s perfect.

Lip syncing a song is the easiest option. When we have more time, my friends and I design quizzes about our classmates, impersonate our teachers, or write a song from scratch.

The ideas for our performances come effortlessly. We sit together, and one of us spontaneously starts to imitate a cat. Half an hour later, we have a comedy about a cat family that goes on a trip around the world, on a quest to learn how to meow in all possible languages.

I don’t know what stage fright is. When my teacher invites us to store away our history books,  push our tables to the side and put our chairs in theater setting, I come alive.

Years later, I do the math. Technically, there wasn’t enough time for every child to perform every Friday. But somehow, I was always on stage. And my teacher let it happen, quietly making space, week after week, for a girl who needed to be seen, heard, and given room to create.

It doesn’t take much to change the shape of a young life. A nod. A choice. An invitation to take the mic again, and again, and again.  

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That was sneak preview #2

Did I mention I am also including nature metaphors into the book? As nature is my biggest source of attunement, she needs to be part of the book as well. Here’s the metaphor that is connected to the story above:

The ember

She saw a flicker. Eager, wobbly, bright. Without a word, she cupped her hands around it. Shielded it from wind and noise. Gave it space to catch. Until the ember grew into flame.

Just like last time, I am so curious to hear from you! Have you written a book, and do you have tips for how to keep going? How did this story resonate with you? How do you know that you are in attunement, or not? I’d love to hear from you.

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