Workshop

Last night Mary Beth and I went up to Crosstown for Impossible Language and Mary Beth's old old old internet friend (the one who published her back in the day), Erin was reading. It's the first time they'd ever actually met in person though they've known each other for like at least 17 years or whatever. There were also two other writers who she brought along who've been to retreats on her farm and who she's published. They were all really good readings, Erin is an especially good reader (or speaker of the work she's reading, I should say?). Ashley who runs Impossible Language also knows Erin and has been to the workshop/retreat thing on her farm too. Okay, after that all the people who I've mentioned in this post went to the Beauty Shop followed by the P&H. I left a little early 'cuz I had to get up in the morning to go to this white privilege workshop I'd signed up for. Mary Beth had initially signed up for it too but they "kicked her out" after she emailed them reflecting on the fact that she's not actually white. They were apparently nice about it, though I did get a little annoyed on her behalf when it first happened, but whatever. So I went by myself. Sara (of Memphis Forward/Bernie group) was there too. It was pretty good. Kinda therapy-ish. Some tips on being a better ally. Speaking up when people say something racist, but wrapping it in "nicer" things like "I know you didn't mean it this way, but..." that might not avoid a defensive reaction. Some people shared some pretty emotional stories too. Anyway, came back home to this cd in the mail: Kevin Shields: The Death of Patience (note: not actually THE Kevin Shields of MBV fame, but the noise project of Eva Aguila).