It’s one of the most dynamic experiences in life. It clutches at your heart, fills you with joy, and exasperates you—but it also gives your life new meaning. Motherhood is an experience like nothing else. Mothers love, sacrifice, possess strength, and provide nurturing. For most of them, it’s a role that drives their lives.
And no matter who plays that role—whether it’s biologically granted or a grandmother, single dad, auntie, or step-parent—it’s a heady job because of the influence you have on a developing mind. Talk about pressure!
I guess that’s why, in all of its forms, it’s an experience that’s been the topic of years of columns, books, and blog posts I’ve written. I’ve explored the topic of motherhood, usually in a humorous way. It’s a tough gig, and sometimes if you don’t laugh at it, you’ll cry or break down or head for that secret stash of Oreos. With four kids, (three of them boys), I’ve sometimes needed that outlet, an audience to tell me, “It’s OK that you always look like your toddler dressed you. You’re a mom.”
Stepping back and looking at the situation and trying to formulate a way to explain it to others in a column gives the opportunity to look at the situation the way others do. So when you realize you’ve been walking around all day with a tiny peanut butter handprint on your butt, you can laugh about it, because that’s what others are doing. But at least you can laugh along with them.
By sharing my motherhood experiences, I’ve been able to look at things with a different perspective and realize it’s all pretty damn funny. I’ve always received feedback from others who’ve thanked me for sharing because they can relate.
But there are many other mothers who don’t have a voice, who would love to share their own stories. Those stories will come together in the production Ay! Mami: Tales of Motherhood with a Latina Twist. It’s a night of storytelling by several local women in celebration of motherhood. The evening will include stories from women about being mothers, but also about their experiences with their own mothers. The stories are funny, inspiring, nostalgic, powerful, and bittersweet. All of them are told from the Latina perspective.
Being a mother is the toughest job a woman will ever have, yet there’s none more rewarding. And while the job description is the same no matter who you are, the method of delivery has some room for interpretation. I wanted to highlight and celebrate those differences with this multimedia production.
The goal is that whether you are Latina or from another culture, you’ll be able to see yourself or your mother in this presentation in some small way.
The night will include stories from poet Enedina Castañeda, Gloria Gonzalez Ramos, Helen Rivas Galván, Xochitl Rodrigue, and Maria Graciela Rodriguez. The evening includes work by artists like Valinda Gallea and Gabriel Navar that represents the theme of the night. Original music will be performed by Caesar “C-Bone” Hernandez, whose song “Lady” has received lots of local radio play. Artists Jordyn Elizabeth and Dalila, who are produced by Hernandez’ company Live Your Dreams Entertainment, will also perform some original songs.
There are aspects about motherhood that cut across cultures in their sameness, and there are aspects that are beautifully unique. This production celebrates both the similarities and differences inherent to motherhood.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is a mother. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 2, 2011.