Funny story that gave me the laugh I so desperately needed this past week...
So the chorus of the song to my children's book, "Take a Trip to Diverse City" goes, "Diverse City is a free state of heart and mind where all are welcome. Diverse City is a free state, so let's build a bridge and keep it open." In short, whenever I sign my book for kids I write, "Keep it open."
Last week I had a doctor's appointment with the gynecologist/urologist and somehow we got to talking about COSI, the local children's science museum in Columbus, Ohio. I said that I was just there reading and signing my book for opening day of the RACE exhibit. He said he goes there all the time with his kids and indicated that he'd like to see the book.
Being an "author" and "singer/songwriter" is new to me and I still work full time as a Public Relations coordinator of community engagement and empowerment programs through a local university. I am trying to get used to sharing the creative part of myself, but it is awkward at times. Another doctor asked for a book and had me sign it to his kids. It still feels strange that anyone would want my autograph. So as I was leaving this doctor's office, I grabbed a book out of my trunk, signed it and left it at the front desk for him to give to his kids.
This week, I was back to see the physical therapist at the same doctor's office and after our session she suggested I try these exercises to see if it helps my post childbirth lady part issues. I was trying to make light of the situation and said, "I will try to be open since that's my motto." She laughed and said, "Someone signed a letter to Dr. "Anonymous" saying "Keep it open" and he was baffled, asking staff, "How am I supposed to take this?"
I started laughing hysterically because I hadn't even thought of how "Keep it open" would come across to a gynecologist who had not read the book yet. "That was me!" I tried to explain the book through my laughter and how, "I sign it that way to help kids (and adults) remember to keep an open heart and mind to embrace and celebrate diversity. My first album is titled "Open" and I have a song titled "Open" that talks about being open to change. Maybe I should stop signing it that way because I don't want kids to keep it open in THAT way!" She said, "No, that's all good. I'm sorry if I mortified you." I thought it was hilarious.
So the chorus of the song to my children's book, "Take a Trip to Diverse City" goes, "Diverse City is a free state of heart and mind where all are welcome. Diverse City is a free state, so let's build a bridge and keep it open." In short, whenever I sign my book for kids I write, "Keep it open."
Last week I had a doctor's appointment with the gynecologist/urologist and somehow we got to talking about COSI, the local children's science museum in Columbus, Ohio. I said that I was just there reading and signing my book for opening day of the RACE exhibit. He said he goes there all the time with his kids and indicated that he'd like to see the book.
Being an "author" and "singer/songwriter" is new to me and I still work full time as a Public Relations coordinator of community engagement and empowerment programs through a local university. I am trying to get used to sharing the creative part of myself, but it is awkward at times. Another doctor asked for a book and had me sign it to his kids. It still feels strange that anyone would want my autograph. So as I was leaving this doctor's office, I grabbed a book out of my trunk, signed it and left it at the front desk for him to give to his kids.
This week, I was back to see the physical therapist at the same doctor's office and after our session she suggested I try these exercises to see if it helps my post childbirth lady part issues. I was trying to make light of the situation and said, "I will try to be open since that's my motto." She laughed and said, "Someone signed a letter to Dr. "Anonymous" saying "Keep it open" and he was baffled, asking staff, "How am I supposed to take this?"
I started laughing hysterically because I hadn't even thought of how "Keep it open" would come across to a gynecologist who had not read the book yet. "That was me!" I tried to explain the book through my laughter and how, "I sign it that way to help kids (and adults) remember to keep an open heart and mind to embrace and celebrate diversity. My first album is titled "Open" and I have a song titled "Open" that talks about being open to change. Maybe I should stop signing it that way because I don't want kids to keep it open in THAT way!" She said, "No, that's all good. I'm sorry if I mortified you." I thought it was hilarious.
The moral of the story is...Know your audience. "Keep it open" means something completely different to a gynecologist! The subject matter can have that effect on others for a variety of reasons. It comes down to your perspective and experience. We sometimes speak different languages, which can restrict understanding and connection. I hope that you will, "keep it (in this case your heart and mind) open." The "it" in another context might require careful consideration.
shawna ray, today 2/18/12
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