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!
Oh, that makes so much sense! I get very intimidated in yoga classes where everyone takes themselves too seriously. I'm much more of a pilates gal. Downward dogs kill me, not to say anything of headstands and whatnot. I do want to try the goat yoga, though. I held a baby goat once and it was one of the highlights of my life.
Also, thank you, Michael, for making me feel better about my choice of beer!
I get intimidated by pilates. Actually, some yoga studios intimidate me too. But I found one yoga studio where everyone is pretty chill and there are all sorts of people with all sorts of body types, and I feel really comfortable there. The goats, when I find them, will likely be a one-off bucket list type deal.
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."
LOL! Her reaction made me laugh too. To be fair to her, I think she was implying "if he's performing out here in Virginia, but lives in the city, he would be welcome to crash here instead of driving all the way back to DC." (I'm home with the fam in wine country for a few months.)
I would definitely recommend your husband take a class!! That's how I originally got into it. It's great to have the prompts, structure and feedback and removes some of the first time stage fright.
If/when I get back on stage, I'll share videos for sure. :)
Hmmm. I think if I remember correctly, about a month? I've taken two classes. One was an introductory course with Sheila Wenz (https://www.standupstudios.com/) at a spot she used to run in Takoma Park, and then I took a Level II workshop through the DC Improv with Rahmein Mostafavi (http://rahmein.com/)
Sheila did a bit more of showing material to point out various techniques, and led us in some writing exercises/prompts, followed by immediately throwing us up on stage. (A great way to just dive in the ocean!)
Each class involved getting up on stage and getting immediate feedback. Both in the laughter (or lack thereof) and constructive feedback re: how to punch up or tag certain jokes.
So, you were working toward your "tight 5" for the graduation performance throughout each course. Then, most people go on to perform at open mics, etc!
And I must give my mom credit for that bit, as well! I borrowed one of her anxieties. (Although, it became mine. I never thought about black coffee but then my mom kept asking me, 'don't you feel awkward ordering black coffee???' and I started overthinking too :)
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.
I, too, would so love a life with baby goats! Over here trying not to cry over spilled mini goat's milk, as well. The holidays are rough. Your prose is always so beautiful, Juliette.
Thank you, Alicia. ❤️ That means a lot coming from you. If I open this app with intent it is to read your post or create my own. Now on Substack for a year, and just made my first video for “Sentimental Machete.” ... happy holidaze 🎊
Your mom is always asking the hard-hitting questions lol
Lol, always!!
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!
Oh, that makes so much sense! I get very intimidated in yoga classes where everyone takes themselves too seriously. I'm much more of a pilates gal. Downward dogs kill me, not to say anything of headstands and whatnot. I do want to try the goat yoga, though. I held a baby goat once and it was one of the highlights of my life.
Also, thank you, Michael, for making me feel better about my choice of beer!
I get intimidated by pilates. Actually, some yoga studios intimidate me too. But I found one yoga studio where everyone is pretty chill and there are all sorts of people with all sorts of body types, and I feel really comfortable there. The goats, when I find them, will likely be a one-off bucket list type deal.
That sounds lovely! And, well, if you ever find yourself in rural Virginia I can point you to the goats. :)
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."
LOL! Her reaction made me laugh too. To be fair to her, I think she was implying "if he's performing out here in Virginia, but lives in the city, he would be welcome to crash here instead of driving all the way back to DC." (I'm home with the fam in wine country for a few months.)
I would definitely recommend your husband take a class!! That's how I originally got into it. It's great to have the prompts, structure and feedback and removes some of the first time stage fright.
If/when I get back on stage, I'll share videos for sure. :)
In that context, the spending the night thing makes sense, but it was still funny.
How long was your class and how much preparation time did they give you before you had to perform?
Hmmm. I think if I remember correctly, about a month? I've taken two classes. One was an introductory course with Sheila Wenz (https://www.standupstudios.com/) at a spot she used to run in Takoma Park, and then I took a Level II workshop through the DC Improv with Rahmein Mostafavi (http://rahmein.com/)
Sheila did a bit more of showing material to point out various techniques, and led us in some writing exercises/prompts, followed by immediately throwing us up on stage. (A great way to just dive in the ocean!)
Each class involved getting up on stage and getting immediate feedback. Both in the laughter (or lack thereof) and constructive feedback re: how to punch up or tag certain jokes.
So, you were working toward your "tight 5" for the graduation performance throughout each course. Then, most people go on to perform at open mics, etc!
Here's a short clip of my graduation performance at the Improv, btw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VHZTyyN4gE
Hahahaha! That's a great bit! Really funny! I'll share this with my husband, I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
Yay! Hope he does it. It's so fun.
And I must give my mom credit for that bit, as well! I borrowed one of her anxieties. (Although, it became mine. I never thought about black coffee but then my mom kept asking me, 'don't you feel awkward ordering black coffee???' and I started overthinking too :)
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
You're too kind, Stacie! That means the world. My mom and I both miss you up here in DC. Hope you'll visit soon and help us sing to the cows.
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.
Thanks so much, Michael! I definitely did not expect goats in the stand-up, either. 😅
I've bin fancying donuts all week. Your post reads like a stand up routine sounds. Masterful
Yay! That was the effect I was going for. Glad it worked. (Sending a virtual donut your way.)
😃
"Goat Yoga" might be the best thing I've heard all year 😅
Right?!?!
“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.
I, too, would so love a life with baby goats! Over here trying not to cry over spilled mini goat's milk, as well. The holidays are rough. Your prose is always so beautiful, Juliette.
Thank you, Alicia. ❤️ That means a lot coming from you. If I open this app with intent it is to read your post or create my own. Now on Substack for a year, and just made my first video for “Sentimental Machete.” ... happy holidaze 🎊
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?
Ha, I wish I was! This is why I need others to order for me!!