Notes:
- when I talk about fun-brewing, that’s what most people call fundraising (but more fun).
- The barn going up here is the delightful and kooky Playground.
- I’m not actually having a baby. Metaphor!
- Selma is my duck.
- If you’re only going to click on one link in this post, this is the one!
The stucknesses come to visit!
So. One of things about bringing a tiny sweet thing into the world is this:
There’s pretty much no way to avoid running into every piece of stuck you’ve ever had.
This is not really news. Big, crazy, transformational experiences bring stuff up.
And it’s pretty hard to successfully biggify something without mindfully working on your stuff and untangling some patterns.
Not resolving your stuff or anything like that. Just giving it some attention.
So the past several months from dreaming up the Playground to whooshing it into existence to today have been kind of intense.
Some of the stuff I’ve run into:
All my monsters. All my fears. And every possible form of internal uncertainties. Including:
- the you’re not allowed to actually have something you want or the world will fall apart wall
- the nothing works rule
- the no one cares about your thing anyway monster (and his older cousin the how can you be such a selfish bitch monster)
- an internal you have to go it alone or else rule that I didn’t even know about
- and every trust-related stuck I’ve ever had.
Some of what I’ve been using to work on this stuff:
- Doing Shiva Nata to spark epiphanies about what’s really going on.
- Writing Very Personal Ads and love letters to help me sort out what I need while finding and opening the Playground.
- Talking to my walls and putting on plays inside my head.
- Using negotiators and other helper mice.
- Every single tactic in the monster manual and coloring book.
- Going back to the Book of Me to make sure that I’m taking care of myself. And adding things to the Dammit List.
- Talking to fairy godmothers like Hiro and Pam and the amazing group leaders who make my Kitchen Table program so great.
- Extreme wackiness.
- Going for long walks with Selma.
Some of what I’ve been learning:
- When I make it fun, everyone has fun (and even though my monsters think this is a terrible thing to value, bringing joyfulness to the world is a legitimate pursuit).
- Letting your people help and be a part of the fabulous things you’re doing is good for you and it’s also good for them.
- Basically, everyone wins when I get over my need to do everything on my own.
- Burnout is full of usefulness.
- Pirate monkey meditation cushions are totally appropriate and I am not a disgrace to the yoga world from whence I came. It is okay to bring on the silly.
Some of the fun that is happening at the Playground!
We’re setting up a room to be the Angel Refueling Station.
This is something I got from Fabeku — he was saying something about how even angels have to refuel sometimes.
And we said, ohmygod there should be a place for that. So we invented this imaginary space where you go to chill out when things suck. With blankets. And tea. And whiskey.
So there’s going to be a purple hammock. And pirate cushions.
And the best curtain policy in the entire world.*
* Drawn curtain = leave me alone please. Half-drawn curtain = I want to be alone but I won’t mind if you comfort me. Open curtain = I’m needing a moment but please come give me a hug.
Pirate monkey meditation cushions!
We’re arranging for lots of useful supplies and toys for Old Turkish Lady yoga and the punk rock Shivanauttery.
And all in the spirit of the Playground:
Whimsy, Joyfulness, Chaos, Order, Hilarity, Power and Badassery.
And Play. Because of course it’s all about the playing. And the grounding.
The ship’s wheel.
Since my business is a pirate ship, we’re getting a ship’s wheel.
Like the circle of fire that frames the Nataraj. Because dancing the dance of destruction is seriously BADASS. Which is kind of what we’re going for.
And of course we wanted a wheel that had history (not a reproduction) so searching for the one has been way too much fun.
The Costumery!
Because costumes do amazing things. And because we totally have to dress up.
Or at least have the opportunity to put on costumes should we want to.
The barn-raising part! Or: how you get to play with us.
So it’s a barn-raising but with monkeys and no barn. And a pirate duck.
We are starting Phase Two of the Fun-Brewing today. Huzzah!
Here’s how it works.
We’re opening in ten days.
We’re going to need a floor. And to order those pirate monkey meditation cushions. And to have fun and be joyful and goof off, because that is part of how this works.
Everyone gets to be a helper mouse.
And everyone who helps gets a present.
Let me repeat that with appropriate typographical emphasis:
Everyone gets to be a helper mouse.
And everyone who helps gets a present.
Even if the only thing you can donate right now is love and good wishes. Because that counts too.
For all the ways you can give…
And for all the neat things you get as a thank you:
–> you can take a look at the Phase 2 Fun Brewing madness page.
And then come and rejoice with me in the comments, if you like.
Because eeeeeeeeee! And yay! And this is really happening!
And thank you.
You being a part of this makes everything better.
Follow
All I have is love and good wishes, Havi, but you may have all you need of those.
The Playground sounds wonderful and I’m so happy for you that it’s so close to being ready.
.-= Chris Anthony´s last post … Three Easy Steps Google Uses to Turn People into Evangelists =-.
Wheee!! This is really happening! 3 cheers for my favorite Pirate Queen! Yay Havi!
.-= Megan´s last post … It’s All in the Finger (Or Why Writing is So Hard for My Boys) =-.
Eeee! Phase 2! I’m so excited, and I’m too far away to even do anything but read about it… I can only imagine how full of squeals you must be 😀
I’m absolutely in love with the curtain policy. Though really, you had me at tea 😉
Pirate Monkeys No Barn Fun-Brewing!
Breathtaking aerial acrobatics aside, Havi, your whole process–from the moment the Playground was a glimmer of possibility in your mind, to its almost-here-now presence–has been a living demonstration of the art of creating.
With lightness, fun, hilarity, tenderness.
Thank you so much!
Sending love, miracles and blessings for this second phase of fun-brewing…
xoxo Hiro
.-= Hiro Boga´s last post … In the Center of my Throat. . . =-.
Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah! I am feeling so much excitement about your FunBrewing and the Playground. I had a major bummer of a bomb dropped in my life yesterday, and really wanted to scarf up sugary treats and buy a bunch of crap, but after sitting with that feeling all day decided to buy the Monster Manual instead. And today I am just beyond thrilled to be able to support your funbrewing phase 2 as well. Here’s hoping the jug fills quickly!
xoxo
Yay!
Hoorah for Phase 2!
Oh Havi!
I would love to sit in the audience of your mind’s plays–I’m thrilled to hear someone say they’re talking to their walls rather than remain barricaded…
Contrats on the Playground, and if you need anyone to kick the ass of the selfish-bitch-accusing-cousin hater…I throw a pretty mean left hook!
Much love and good wishes and raising a glass from the Drunkest City in America (that would be Fresno, CA).
Also wondering if monsters celebrate opposite day, because what you do is so selfless and sends so many happy ripples through the world. Not that monsters are at all required to make sense–in fact, that’s part of what makes them so loveable.
So here’s to being a part of the Playground in spirit and looking forward to a visit someday.
.-= Christine Myers´s last post … Mad Love Monday #22 =-.
Every time you talk about the Playground, I think I’ve reached the top of the excitement scale, but no! Clearly, that’s an expandable scale, because my excitement keeps on going up, up, up! This is all so wonderfully exciting!
(Oh, and by the way, my building yesterday? It was some sort of playground of my own, supported by amazing people. Now to gather my courage and see if that dreamy vision can come true…)
.-= Josiane´s last post … Middle of the night musings =-.
Phase Two, yay! How exciting!
I’m so thrilled about this whole Playground thing. It is going to be SUCH a cool and shiny thing and I simply cannot wait to see it. (Seriously, roll on June!)
Eeeee!
.-= Lucy Viret´s last post … Music! =-.
WOOOT! Phase two, bitches! (And I say bitches in a completely respectful, yet badass way).
I am so thrilled that the tiny sweet thing is getting closer and closer to opening its beautiful eyes!
And I think I need to adopt that excellent curtain rule.
xxoo!
.-= chicsinger simone´s last post … Now is the month of Maying…Lilac edition. =-.
i’ve been lurking for awhile and kind of quiet, but WAAAHOOOO! the Playground!! I’m excited and can’t wait for my chance to play! Congratulations Havi 🙂
yippeeeeeee!
Oh, good luck! I want to donate more than love and good wishes, but I have to be patient a few days more so I can make sure my own kingdom is in good shape before I contribute to your piratey awesomeness.
.-= Amy Crook´s last post … How I Almost Threw Away $400 =-.
The curtain rule is genius and I may possibly adopt it as halfway house between displaying emotion (I’m British, it’s not meant to come naturally) and stewing in my own misery of doom.
Reading this makes me so happy for the pirate whimsy joyfulness coming to live. Congratulatory squees.
Yeah and double yeah! 10 days – how cool is that!!! Celebrating with you!
.-= Jennifer Louden´s last post … We’re All Trying So Hard =-.
Oh how I love you all. Thank you! Your congratulations and happy-ing and all of it is just exactly right.
@Jane – yes, I hereby bequeath the curtain rule to all Brits and anyone who needs it. It made me happy when I thought of it too. 🙂
@Simone – I have so been running around all weekend yelling PHASE TWO, BITCHES. But also not meant in any inappropriate way. So that made me completely happy.
@Lucy + Josiane – can’t wait to see you!
@Emily – LOVE!
@Carrie – how are you, sweetpea? I was thinking about you the other day.
@Chris – appreciated! So much!
All of you – I adore you. Thank you for all of this. It’s brilliant.
I *so* love the Playground!
I’m excited, it’s definitely a high-seas adventure full of Pirates, sea-creatures (that want to help, too) and a LOT of fun.
I feel the wind in my hair!
.-= Laurie´s last post … Hey, Laurie — why do you do weight loss stuff? =-.
Thanks for giving me a practical way to help, Havi. I couldn’t give much but I was happy to contribute to your awesome Playground, who knows, maybe I’ll get to come visit one day.
.-= Kirsty Hall´s last post … A Collection of Random Things =-.
Havi, I’m so happy for this exciting Thing! It’s taking flight.
I am also happy to be able to provide tangible support. I KNEW there was a reason I took a boring desk job…so that I could feel a part of Important Things in this way when I can afford it.
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE that you’re including people who donate love and good wishes as among those contributing to the project. That’s the reason I read/study/follow your blog and your fascinating (thought) projects.
.-= Dawn´s last post … Being Stationary =-.
Such awesomeness!
Big wishes and much merry making!
Wish I lived closer, I’d seriously be helping paint and decorate and sew.
WooHoooooooooo The Playground is all coming together!
Havi,
Sending you love, support and good vibes for the new playground!
Wish I lived closer so I could be there for the big opening. I have visions of everyone gathering for this event in costumes carrying banners and waving flags welcoming the new baby in style! With dancing and singing and fun being had by all.
Yay!
.-= Stacy´s last post … Dreaming of empty buildings, food and community =-.
Yeah for Phase 2 and the Playground opening! Sending lots of love, good wishes and fairy magic your way!
The curtain rule truly is genius.
.-= Shawna R. B. Atteberry´s last post … Pentecost: Blowing Where She Wills =-.
All the love and well wishes to you, Havi, and to the Playground.
Wheeeeeee! Wahoo! So happy for you!
(And for the rest of us, too.) 🙂
Thank you for giving us all so many ways to contribute. The sense of community here is so inspiring, it touches my heart.
.-= Kathleen Avins´s last post … Disabling the autopilot =-.
@Kat – mwah! Me too.
@Stacy – banners and flags! That sounds perfect. Love it.
@Dawn – thanks, sweetie. Yes. I really, really wanted to make this joyful and inclusive for everyone involved. goodness knows there have been so many times (and still are) when I couldn’t give what I wanted to or at all. I really want everyone to feel like they are a part of this.
And my First Mate just read to me some of the incredibly sweet things people have written and I just feel so … like I want to kiss all the trees.
@Laurie – wind in the hair! wind in the hair!
I’m SUPER excited about the Playhouse. I just came back to Portland after 2 years away, and have to say that the coming Playhouse is one of the big things I’m happy I won’t miss out on! Pirate monkey cushions, silly costumes, playing all day – I love it. Even when I’m grumpy.
xo
Excitment! I am pretty stinking excited. I have really enjoyed watching you go through this whole process. It has really helped me with my own processes. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Love the pillow, love the wheel and so so love the curtain policy. May have to get a curtain just to have a curtain policy. Thanks for sharing this and thanks for giving everyone ways to help.
.-= Sandra´s last post … Meet at the lion =-.
I’m so happy for you! The Playground sounds like it will be so much fun! I wish I could come and visit but I’m on the other side of the world. I know everything will be all ready on time and I can’t wait to see some pictures!
xx Katie.
Yay for Funbrewing phase II! The Playground is definitely #1 on my wish list of places to visit in the US of A. I can see the picture in my mind, with all the pirate-ey goodness and the angel refueling station with its brilliant curtain policy. I now may have to make myself a purple meditation cushion with a pirate monkey on top.
Lots of love, good wishes and blessings for the Playground and a big hug to you for making it all happen with your crew!
I don’t really have anything to give other than love and well wishing.
I will change this, however, because you just rock that hard.
Stand by for awesomeness.
Hi Havi,
After a recommendation, I stopped by. I admit, I might need a special thesaurus to follow along, but I am happy to learn. Still I get a sense that I identify. Good job and good luck with your playground.
devin
.-= Devin´s last post … My Inspirational 50 — Books to Live By =-.
I’m thrilled to be a helper mouse, and I send you love and good wishes. Thanks for the opportunity!
.-= Terry´s last post … He’s Single, Celibate, and Loving It =-.
HEY PUTTING THE word out in tomorrow’s post so hopefully more pirate booty coming your way.
.-= Jennifer Louden´s last post … We’re All Trying So Hard =-.
Playground! I am SO excited for you, and send all my good wishes. What an incredible process to watch!
(beloved lurker here) I just had to de-lurk in order to tell you just how excited I am about the Playground! I think you’re brilliant, and I love the Playground already. I can’t wait for the delightful sometime when I can come play. For now though, I am sending all sorts of happy energy to you for Phase 2 (!) from Pittsburgh! Yay!
Wheeeeeeeee! I am so very excited for you and Selma and the Playground!
.-= Elizabeth´s last post … coooooooookies =-.
Appreciated!
@devin – hi! And yeah, it got so bad I had to write a glossary.
@sandra – ooh you should DEFINITELY get a curtain so you can institute a policy. Curtain policies are the best.
(beloved lurker here) I just had to de-lurk in order to tell you just how excited I am about the Playground! I think you’re brilliant, and I love the Playground already. I can’t wait for the delightful sometime when I can come play. For now though, I am sending all sorts of happy energy to you for Phase 2 (!) from Pittsburgh! Yay!