[Volfe]

Alright, we're all here I hope so I'm posting in this place... a "Hot" forum.

I had planned on creating a rough sketch of my idea to show but I'm backing off the forums and just want to post this before I go (I'll be back, just disenchanted with a lot).

I would like everyone to think of a few lines to say about
adoption
birth parents
adopted people
birth mothers day
the lack of birth fathers day
anything like that...

and write them.

What I"m doing is: creating a public display of small canvasses with letters painted on them. The display will be where I am licensed to sell art - on the iron fence of a public park here in New Orleans.
The letters will spell out Happy Birthmother's Day and be there that weekend...

I would like to include some quotes/ sayings from different triad members about adoption or whatever to a)show what some people think and to b)invite others to do the same if they want.

If I've lost you, sorry, I'm too irritated to get detailed.

If you think of something b/t now and May please post it here. If anyone would like to paint a letter (say the first initial of their or their child's name please let me know!).

I will tell the paper here beforehand.

Any local and traveling triad members welcome to come down and chill with me that day.

Maia

PS If you HATE Bmother's Day or whatever, write that out ... why. I"m not suggesting all sayings be cushy, K. I don't much care either way but do please use positive adoption language...

[tobeafamily]

Maia,

I think this is a seriously cool idea. I'm going to wrap my mind around it a bit then I will send you something either here or PM.

Hmmmm....NO in May.... Bet I can get Big Red to go again that soon....

Regina

[antifloyd]

Maia, this IS a great idea! I'll have to toss some stuf around in my journal and post to you when I get it figured out.
New Orleans? I'm so jealous, loved it there the one time I visited.

What I"m doing is: creating a public display of small canvasses with letters painted on them. The display will be where I am licensed to sell art - on the iron fence of a public park here in New Orleans.

Is that in Jackson Square? My BIL was stationed down that way for three yrs, they lived in Slidell, so my mom and I came down for a visit. Came across the lake every single day we were there to go to the French Quarter. Although my sis and I did go over to the Garden District one day and look at houses, plus kind of stalk Anne Rice's house. We just wanted to see it, but there was a limo and driver out front, so we hung around for awhile in case she was going to go somewhere and we could see her. No such luck!

[SchmennaLeigh]

Maia, I am simply posting in this thread and subscribing so that I can come back when I have something coherent to say. Right now I'm exhausted; my weekend just started at 11:00pm and the work week was a rough one.

You are an inspiration to many. Including myself.

*sending hugs*

[MNelson]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner ... I've been hunkering down in the familiar haunts and not poking around much. As I mentioned to ya personally, I think this is a terrific idea, and is making me panic with literary creativity anxiety. I absolutely will make this a priority, and will do so well before May. I'll post any ideas on here, and I encourage others to also, so that we can get the collaborative creative juices flowing.

Thank you for this, Maia.

[coco46]

Maia,

I'll defintely be back with something for you. I wrote a poem for K when she was a tiny tot that hangs on her wall to this day. I'll dig up my copy and send it to you ASAP.

Great idea!

[Volfe]

Is that in Jackson Square? My BIL was stationed down that way for three yrs, they lived in Slidell, so my mom and I came down for a visit. Came across the lake every single day we were there to go to the French Quarter. Although my sis and I did go over to the Garden District one day and look at houses, plus kind of stalk Anne Rice's house. We just wanted to see it, but there was a limo and driver out front, so we hung around for awhile in case she was going to go somewhere and we could see her. No such luck!

Yes, Jackson Square... that is exactly where I grew up (not around - but in - it) and now have a license for but no time to go work...

As for Anne Rice's house... she's since moved to Metairie but yanno... she had the nicest dogs. Drooly mastiffs on the porch (did you see them?)... they would come slobber on ya. I never did see her doll museum, but when I was in high school I used to love that orphanage building and wished I could buy it (when it was for sale - before she bought it).

Anyway, thanks guys If you need me, I'll be here, like a spider under the stairs...
I Dont wish to venture past my two New Orleans threads for distinctly personal reasons.

Also... remember... I would LOVE to have ya Regina and anyone else considering the travel.
There are reasons I will do this, and reasons I really shouldn't... but it's partly the reasons I shouldn't and definately the reasons I should that are motivating me.
Make sense?

Maia

[scarlet52698]

Very cool idea Maia I'm going to think on this one too and get back to you.

[tobeafamily]

Maia,

What keeps coming to my mind is what we put on Ryan's arrival announcement. It came to me after he was born, very strong in my mind. One of those moments of pure clarity. I mentioned it first to his bparents, who just looked at me and said "Perfect. That's it."

Here it is:

Through a child
Families are joined
Behold, the power of love.

What you're looking for?

Regina (who's also hanging out under the stairs, I like spiders y'know).

[2boyz1girl]

Hey, what's up? I'll think about it too -- if ya write to me once in a while ! J/K.

Anne Rice....as in "Interview With a Vampire" Anne Rice?

[bromanchik]

I would love to do this! My name is Brenda and my son's name is Matt.

And I have a friend who lives in New Orleans. Maybe she can help you!


How big should they be? What can we do about water proofing? Maybe laminate?

Let me know!!!

[MNelson]

Maia, I was thinking about your request for positive adoption language, but what if one panel were dedicated to all the negative stereotypes and the dumb things that people say who are ignorant about adoption? What that would do is juxtapose statements that an uneducated (about adoption) person might relate to, along with statements that they would find abhorent. And those would be different things for different people, which would make it all the more effective.

Examples: "You gave up your child" ... "You bought a baby" ... "You're a saint for adopting" ... "You're a saint for placing" ... "You didn't want your child" ... "You were placed for adoption because you were loved so much" ... "It's too bad you two couldn't have one of your own" ... "Your parents are adopters" ... "Birthmoms are drug addicts" ... "You weren't wanted" ... "Where is your child from?" ... "Is his father Mexican?" .... "Birthparents will forget about their child." ... "Her life is a mess because she's adopted" ... okay, I'm done, I'm getting depressed.

But you get what I mean? Combine the really out there with the not-so-uncommon perceptions. Maybe others can come up with some more.

[Volfe]

For content I was going for what you wish to go for

Brenda I'll PM Ya! I'd love your friend's help.
Hrm for weatherproofing I have 1000 plastic bags from the print house we use... I hadn't planned it that much though. Laminating is good too.

I'll take a pic tomorrow of the area I get to use and post it here. And get advice...

(gotta go, todays our busy day at work).

Regina - Love it!
2Boyz :sniffles: I'll write today.
Plareb - Good ideas too. I want to make a point that there is 'bad' language vs the 'good' cuz I will be writing the press (not going for fame tho - that comes naturally LOL).

Maia

[srchin']

Maia,

Great idea!!! Now what date exactly so I can make sure to take off of work if need be??? May what??? My b-day is on the 26th.....wooohoooo Let me know so I can check ya out.....

srchin'

[Volfe]

May 7th

(2 days after I turn 25 for the 9th time!!! Whooot!!)

Maia