My mom asks how it went last night. Was I performing? Or just seeing a friend? I tell her I just went to see a friend. That’s so generous, she says. You’re so loyal. I explain it’s not really that generous. I showed up to support but also to get inspired. I’ve been wanting to get back into stand-up for awhile. The first step is showing up at a show. Was he funny? she asks. Yes, I say. You should have asked him to spend the night, she says. I explain he’s married. That’s OK, she says.
I don’t know anything about beer, but I would’ve gone with cider donut too. The name, at least half of it, speaks to my soul. I love that you pride yourself on making eye contact with someone who is bombing and trying to signal that it’s going to be OK. That is a rare and special quality. I’ve been wanting to try goat yoga too. I think the goats are there to mess with you so that you don’t take yourself too seriously while you’re trying to be present for your practice. Also, a friend posted a picture of her doing goat yoga. She was in table top pose and the goat was standing on her back. Wild. Loved this post, Alicia! Thank you for sharing it!
My husband is interested in stand-up, he wants to take a class. His sister also does stand-up. I hope if you try it again, you record yourself and share it with us. Also, I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea that when you tell your mom you have a friend, her first reaction is, "he should spend the night."
I just adore your mom! She’s sweet, sincere, open-hearted, and just the best sort of company. Hugs to you all. Keep writing, Alicia— your work is a candle in the darkness.
That was a fun read. I liked how you merged that story together as I had no idea how goat yoga was gonna come from watching a stand-up routine — but you did it well.
Also, this —- “if I see someone starting to bomb, I intentionally make eye contact and try to subliminally signal “it’s going to be OK.” —- is so lovely.
Nov 27, 2023·edited Nov 27, 2023Liked by Alicia Kenworthy
“Don’t cry over spilled mini goat’s milk,” I tell myself after a night of watching slow motion baby goat videos in the bathtub. That steamy room is my portal to vulnerability and open hearted thought. I busted into tears over life choices making mini goat ownership impractical, impossible. It’s where I do my best to write truthful poetry, and should avoid things such as social media chats and YouTube. But there I was in a “how did I get here” moment, even though I would likely die without proximity to a Whole Foods, I have always wanted a goat since one in a petting zoo ate the buttons off my blouse.
Trying to imagine myself, two chihuahuas, and a mini goat residing together does not fit my here and now. Maybe it is that I’m just freaking out over grasping at happiness and where I want to be, with an understanding greater than just riding the rails. I’m frozen, it seems, and nothing feels right. Though when I get out of the tub and dance away hugging my Bose speaker all the way to the yoga mat, CoCo joins me in a downward dog.
Your mom is always asking the hard-hitting questions lol
I don’t know anything about beer, but I would’ve gone with cider donut too. The name, at least half of it, speaks to my soul. I love that you pride yourself on making eye contact with someone who is bombing and trying to signal that it’s going to be OK. That is a rare and special quality. I’ve been wanting to try goat yoga too. I think the goats are there to mess with you so that you don’t take yourself too seriously while you’re trying to be present for your practice. Also, a friend posted a picture of her doing goat yoga. She was in table top pose and the goat was standing on her back. Wild. Loved this post, Alicia! Thank you for sharing it!
My husband is interested in stand-up, he wants to take a class. His sister also does stand-up. I hope if you try it again, you record yourself and share it with us. Also, I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea that when you tell your mom you have a friend, her first reaction is, "he should spend the night."
I just adore your mom! She’s sweet, sincere, open-hearted, and just the best sort of company. Hugs to you all. Keep writing, Alicia— your work is a candle in the darkness.
Stacie
That was a fun read. I liked how you merged that story together as I had no idea how goat yoga was gonna come from watching a stand-up routine — but you did it well.
Also, this —- “if I see someone starting to bomb, I intentionally make eye contact and try to subliminally signal “it’s going to be OK.” —- is so lovely.
I've bin fancying donuts all week. Your post reads like a stand up routine sounds. Masterful
"Goat Yoga" might be the best thing I've heard all year 😅
“Don’t cry over spilled mini goat’s milk,” I tell myself after a night of watching slow motion baby goat videos in the bathtub. That steamy room is my portal to vulnerability and open hearted thought. I busted into tears over life choices making mini goat ownership impractical, impossible. It’s where I do my best to write truthful poetry, and should avoid things such as social media chats and YouTube. But there I was in a “how did I get here” moment, even though I would likely die without proximity to a Whole Foods, I have always wanted a goat since one in a petting zoo ate the buttons off my blouse.
Trying to imagine myself, two chihuahuas, and a mini goat residing together does not fit my here and now. Maybe it is that I’m just freaking out over grasping at happiness and where I want to be, with an understanding greater than just riding the rails. I’m frozen, it seems, and nothing feels right. Though when I get out of the tub and dance away hugging my Bose speaker all the way to the yoga mat, CoCo joins me in a downward dog.
Haha I was using my “ask ridiculous questions to get fast clarification” method, re what is goat yoga 😂
I'd like to meet your cool mom, but...um...cider donut beer? Are you kidding?