Give A Little Love... And Get A Whole Lot More
- By Kearson Winchester
- •
- 16 Feb, 2018
- •
A Night of Poetry with Rachel Miner
I'm going to start by saying I wish I had taken notes. I'm still new at this blogging thing, so keeping track of everything that happens, and taking pictures too, is foreign to me. If anyone wants to follow me around taking notes and pictures of my adventures, please contact me. The pay sucks, and I'm kind of mean, but I'll drag you to cool places and make you laugh.
Moving on...
Valentine's Day. There are so many things, good or bad,that can be said about this holiday, but this post isn't about any of that.
This post is about a room full of random people in an old brick building reading words that caused a stir.
"Give A Little Love a night of poetry with Rachel Miner" was an event at Rapp's Saloon on Second Street in Santa Monica, CA, benefiting Random Acts and hosted by the folks at The Greater LA GISHWHES group.
I brought my son Isaac along (he'll be 9 in March) because he likes Rachel and because I thought it would be a good experience for him to spend time with cool people and hear some poetry. He didn't want to go, but in fairness, he never wants to go anywhere. Tough noodles, kid, you're getting some culture for Valentine's Day.
We stopped at Target to get a few gift cards to donate at the event. I learned my lesson at the last event about donating large quantities of items and then trying to lug them to the event site after barely finding parking. No weightlifting for me this time, thanks.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this 'open mic' event, but I should have known that it would be casual, because Rachel is just awesome like that. It was very laid back and informal. A few chairs, a few cushions on the floor, a snack table, and a valentine creation station. The idea was to make a valentine and then everyone would get to take one home at the end of the evening.
Well, my son wasn't having any of that. He took one look at all the heart shapes, stamps, stickers, and glittery letters, and it was on. He made one valentine for Rachel, made a second one, and then made a third one before he finally wandered back to sit with me for the readings.
Moving on...
Valentine's Day. There are so many things, good or bad,that can be said about this holiday, but this post isn't about any of that.
This post is about a room full of random people in an old brick building reading words that caused a stir.
"Give A Little Love a night of poetry with Rachel Miner" was an event at Rapp's Saloon on Second Street in Santa Monica, CA, benefiting Random Acts and hosted by the folks at The Greater LA GISHWHES group.
I brought my son Isaac along (he'll be 9 in March) because he likes Rachel and because I thought it would be a good experience for him to spend time with cool people and hear some poetry. He didn't want to go, but in fairness, he never wants to go anywhere. Tough noodles, kid, you're getting some culture for Valentine's Day.
We stopped at Target to get a few gift cards to donate at the event. I learned my lesson at the last event about donating large quantities of items and then trying to lug them to the event site after barely finding parking. No weightlifting for me this time, thanks.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this 'open mic' event, but I should have known that it would be casual, because Rachel is just awesome like that. It was very laid back and informal. A few chairs, a few cushions on the floor, a snack table, and a valentine creation station. The idea was to make a valentine and then everyone would get to take one home at the end of the evening.
Well, my son wasn't having any of that. He took one look at all the heart shapes, stamps, stickers, and glittery letters, and it was on. He made one valentine for Rachel, made a second one, and then made a third one before he finally wandered back to sit with me for the readings.
Rachel read several of her own poems from her youth. They ran the gambit from angsty and confrontational to thought provoking and inspiring. A real pleasure to hear. Someone read Misha Collins' Watermelon poem... disturbingly well. A fart poem helped to lighten the mood at one point. We also had a poem about, and I'm going to butcher this, Chinese female ninja superheroes? It was cute.
Isaac asked me if I had brought a poem to read. I had submitted one, and a printed copy had been provided to me when I asked if it had been received. I told him I had one, but I was going to wait to read it.
Piece after piece was read, and each time my son looked over with that "How about now?" face that he gets when he's impatient. Finally, I couldn't put it off any longer and I volunteered to read my piece.
I explained that I had written this for the cast of Supernatural after their own acts had inspired me to start Random Fandom Life. I took a breath and read. Everyone was very kind in response, and one person requested that I put the poem on the internet so they could steal it. I was flattered. (Still am, actually.)
We had Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and a great poem from a female poet whose name sounded Russian, maybe?
There was a brand new author among us named Anna who had just published her own book which she read from.
The lovely Jane (@janieloves6 on Twitter) read an incredibly moving piece written by one of her daughters.
Another woman asked someone to read a Rainbow Bridge story. A gentleman volunteered and managed to make it the whole way through. I tried not to cry. I failed. I wasn't the only one.
It was fascinating to hear the selections people chose. I was inspired by those people who got up and read like it was as easy as breathing.
But more so than anything else, I was caught off guard by how proud I felt of those people who were obviously terrified of speaking in front of even such a small gathering of people, but did it anyway and lived to tell the tale. I was proud because they were me and I was them and together we were a room full of random people in an old brick building reading words that caused a stir.
And for the person that wanted to steal my poem, I have placed it below with the caveat that you can't steal it (not that you were really going to anyway), but you are more than welcome to share it.
Awesome
by Kearson Winchester
You can't see me, but I see you.
On my TV, on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram
I see you.
I see you pouring out your heart in every word and glance.
I see you making the world a better place when you don't have to.
I see you reaching, pushing, driving.
I see you missing out, sacrificing, bleeding, crying.
I see you giving everything for me, for us, for all.
You can't see me, but I see you, doing your best.
And seeing you makes me more aware of me and all the things that I can be.
You inspire me to be the kind of person people will look to and say "You can't see me, but I see you."
You give me hope that some day we all can see, and be, awesome.
Isaac asked me if I had brought a poem to read. I had submitted one, and a printed copy had been provided to me when I asked if it had been received. I told him I had one, but I was going to wait to read it.
Piece after piece was read, and each time my son looked over with that "How about now?" face that he gets when he's impatient. Finally, I couldn't put it off any longer and I volunteered to read my piece.
I explained that I had written this for the cast of Supernatural after their own acts had inspired me to start Random Fandom Life. I took a breath and read. Everyone was very kind in response, and one person requested that I put the poem on the internet so they could steal it. I was flattered. (Still am, actually.)
We had Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and a great poem from a female poet whose name sounded Russian, maybe?
There was a brand new author among us named Anna who had just published her own book which she read from.
The lovely Jane (@janieloves6 on Twitter) read an incredibly moving piece written by one of her daughters.
Another woman asked someone to read a Rainbow Bridge story. A gentleman volunteered and managed to make it the whole way through. I tried not to cry. I failed. I wasn't the only one.
It was fascinating to hear the selections people chose. I was inspired by those people who got up and read like it was as easy as breathing.
But more so than anything else, I was caught off guard by how proud I felt of those people who were obviously terrified of speaking in front of even such a small gathering of people, but did it anyway and lived to tell the tale. I was proud because they were me and I was them and together we were a room full of random people in an old brick building reading words that caused a stir.
And for the person that wanted to steal my poem, I have placed it below with the caveat that you can't steal it (not that you were really going to anyway), but you are more than welcome to share it.
Awesome
by Kearson Winchester
You can't see me, but I see you.
On my TV, on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram
I see you.
I see you pouring out your heart in every word and glance.
I see you making the world a better place when you don't have to.
I see you reaching, pushing, driving.
I see you missing out, sacrificing, bleeding, crying.
I see you giving everything for me, for us, for all.
You can't see me, but I see you, doing your best.
And seeing you makes me more aware of me and all the things that I can be.
You inspire me to be the kind of person people will look to and say "You can't see me, but I see you."
You give me hope that some day we all can see, and be, awesome.
It's the 1 year anniversary of the incorporation of Random Fandom Life, Inc. I can’t believe it’s already been a year. As I look back on the journey, my heart is warmed by the persistence and love that has gone into breathing life into a small idea that began to take shape in the early months of 2017.
The Supernatural fandom has led me to meet some really incredible people. Three of those people became my fellow founding members of Random Fandom Life: Brandy Melin, Jenny Hendrix, and Jaime Fitzpatrick. Coming from varied backgrounds and experiences, we all bring our own talents and perspectives to the mix. None of us had ever started anything like this before, but despite that, we dug in and pushed hard to make it happen.
Countless hours of online conversation led to the drafting of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. We’ve been talking to each other every day for close to a year and a half at this point. Every day is something new.
RFL is giving away 10 items from the David Haydn-Jones <3=LOVE Campaign
RFL is giving away 38 copies of Family Don't End With Blood
Random Fandom Life has officially launched its first campaign: This I Can Do.
What's it all about?
RFL's first campaign is about something very fundamental: inclusion and encouragement.
We want everyone to know that no matter your fandom affiliation, or any other defining categorizations, if you want to do better, be better, and help make the world better, we have just one thing to say to you:
Welcome home.
Your actions, big or small, are all important in the tapestry of existence, and we want to celebrate them with you.
The world can be a discouraging place, and sometimes it's hard to find reasons to 'fight the good fight'.
Don't let the world or even your own doubts tell you that you can't do something.
Find one thing, no matter how small, and start there. Tell yourself "This I Can Do" and know that it is enough, you are enough, and hang on to that thing until you can move on to the next thing, and the next.
Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.
We want this message to spread far and wide, and in the process, we are going to raise money to help a great organization do monumental things.
Where's all the money going?
100% of the net proceeds from this campaign will go to Random Acts to help support the events, projects, and programs they organize to get others involved in making the world a better place. Random Fandom Life will charge no administrative fee for this campaign. (Check out our Transparency Policy for details.)
Where do I get go to get mine?
Visit the "This I Can Do" campaign on Represent CLICK HERE
Please note that the storefront only shows T's and hoodies in black and white, but if you click the T-shirt, then you can select other items from the drop down like different shirt cuts and tank tops. Sizes vary from XS-5XL depending on the item. We clicked all the buttons so you would have the most choices for item type.
So glad you asked! Spread the word on social media so that we can reach as many people as possible (see below).
Still not enough?
Well, we would also love to hear your stories. Tell us about the things you can do.
Tell us about a time you saw something that moved you to action to fix the situation.
Tell us about a time you helped someone, even if it was yourself.
Tell us about something you wish you could do or plan to do, and then tell us the first small step you can take to make it happen.
Tweet us with #ThisICanDoStoryTime, post a message on our Facebook Page , send us something on Instagram with #ThisICanDoStoryTime or send us an email at ThisICanDoStoryTime@RandomFandomLife.org with the subject line "This I Can Do Story Time". And if your story is fandom related, add #RFLBecause so that we can see how fandom has helped you in your life.
Three submissions will be chosen at random to receive a free item from the campaign.
I want to enter for a chance to get a free campaign item, but I don't want my business posted on social media.
We totally understand! If you do not want the contents of your entry to be shared publicly, please send it to the email above and specify that you wish to submit a private entry.
SHENANIGANS!
Random Fandom Life attends many fandom events around the world. If you are wearing a campaign shirt out in the wild at an event we are attending, come find us! We like selfies. And we may even be doing special fan events for folks wearing RFL merch, so stay tuned.
Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.
This I Can Do.
And never forget, welcome home.
The design for "This I Can Do" is by Light & Grace Media 's talented Taylor Hardman.
What's it all about?
RFL's first campaign is about something very fundamental: inclusion and encouragement.
We want everyone to know that no matter your fandom affiliation, or any other defining categorizations, if you want to do better, be better, and help make the world better, we have just one thing to say to you:
Welcome home.
Your actions, big or small, are all important in the tapestry of existence, and we want to celebrate them with you.
The world can be a discouraging place, and sometimes it's hard to find reasons to 'fight the good fight'.
Don't let the world or even your own doubts tell you that you can't do something.
Find one thing, no matter how small, and start there. Tell yourself "This I Can Do" and know that it is enough, you are enough, and hang on to that thing until you can move on to the next thing, and the next.
Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.
We want this message to spread far and wide, and in the process, we are going to raise money to help a great organization do monumental things.
Where's all the money going?
100% of the net proceeds from this campaign will go to Random Acts to help support the events, projects, and programs they organize to get others involved in making the world a better place. Random Fandom Life will charge no administrative fee for this campaign. (Check out our Transparency Policy for details.)
Where do I get go to get mine?
Visit the "This I Can Do" campaign on Represent CLICK HERE
Please note that the storefront only shows T's and hoodies in black and white, but if you click the T-shirt, then you can select other items from the drop down like different shirt cuts and tank tops. Sizes vary from XS-5XL depending on the item. We clicked all the buttons so you would have the most choices for item type.
How do I donate an item to someone in need?
Send USD through PayPal to ThisICanDoItemDonation@RandomFandomLife.org
$25.00 USD (for a domestically shipped donated item)
$35.00 USD (for an internationally shipped donated item)
Any amount donated through PayPal to this address will be applied toward a donated item,
so if you do not have the entire amount listed above, but still want to help, you can do so in any amount.
I don't have the money for an item right now! What do I do?
Enter your information on the "This I Can Do" event page HERE
If funds are available from donors, then an item will be shipped to you. Random Fandom Life will never share your contact info with anyone but the distributor of the merchandise for the campaign (and only to place the order for your item.)
Please enter your information only once. Multiple submissions from the same requester will be deleted and will not increase your chances of obtaining an item.
How can I be more involved in this campaign?
So glad you asked! Spread the word on social media so that we can reach as many people as possible (see below).
Still not enough?
Well, we would also love to hear your stories. Tell us about the things you can do.
Tell us about a time you saw something that moved you to action to fix the situation.
Tell us about a time you helped someone, even if it was yourself.
Tell us about something you wish you could do or plan to do, and then tell us the first small step you can take to make it happen.
Tweet us with #ThisICanDoStoryTime, post a message on our Facebook Page , send us something on Instagram with #ThisICanDoStoryTime or send us an email at ThisICanDoStoryTime@RandomFandomLife.org with the subject line "This I Can Do Story Time". And if your story is fandom related, add #RFLBecause so that we can see how fandom has helped you in your life.
Three submissions will be chosen at random to receive a free item from the campaign.
I want to enter for a chance to get a free campaign item, but I don't want my business posted on social media.
We totally understand! If you do not want the contents of your entry to be shared publicly, please send it to the email above and specify that you wish to submit a private entry.
SHENANIGANS!
Random Fandom Life attends many fandom events around the world. If you are wearing a campaign shirt out in the wild at an event we are attending, come find us! We like selfies. And we may even be doing special fan events for folks wearing RFL merch, so stay tuned.
Be fearless. Be the change. One more step.
This I Can Do.
And never forget, welcome home.
The design for "This I Can Do" is by Light & Grace Media 's talented Taylor Hardman.
Welcome to the Random Fandom Life website!!!
We've taken off the training wheels, so forgive us for a few bumps and bruises here and there. Feel free to poke around and check things out. If you find anything out of sorts, feel free to drop us a line, because if you had something in your teeth, we would tell you. We wouldn't let you hang out on the internet, flashing it to the world. Help us help you help us...or something like that.
Here in the blog section we have a few throwbacks to blogs from the old wordpress site before we went fancy-pantsy and made our own. We aim to fill this section with blogtastic wonder. Stay tuned.
Make sure to check out the bottom of the home page where we have our roster of fandom families. Don't see yours? Let us know! We want to include everyone, so if you contact us, we'll add you. It's an on-going task.
The About RFL section tells you almost everything you need to know about us: where we came from, what we are about, how we work, who we help, and the faces behind the screen bringing amazing things to so many fandoms.
Events & Campaigns is where we list the fun stuff and believe us, we've got some great things ahead, so stay tuned. And, in the near future, you will be able to purchase your very own piece of Random Fandom Life through our Shop section! Patience is a virtue. We don't possess it, but we hear it's nice.
Interested in being a part of the fun? Contact us and let us know! We are always looking for people to help with the vision of making the world a better place through fandom unity.
~ Random Fandom Life
We've taken off the training wheels, so forgive us for a few bumps and bruises here and there. Feel free to poke around and check things out. If you find anything out of sorts, feel free to drop us a line, because if you had something in your teeth, we would tell you. We wouldn't let you hang out on the internet, flashing it to the world. Help us help you help us...or something like that.
Here in the blog section we have a few throwbacks to blogs from the old wordpress site before we went fancy-pantsy and made our own. We aim to fill this section with blogtastic wonder. Stay tuned.
Make sure to check out the bottom of the home page where we have our roster of fandom families. Don't see yours? Let us know! We want to include everyone, so if you contact us, we'll add you. It's an on-going task.
The About RFL section tells you almost everything you need to know about us: where we came from, what we are about, how we work, who we help, and the faces behind the screen bringing amazing things to so many fandoms.
Events & Campaigns is where we list the fun stuff and believe us, we've got some great things ahead, so stay tuned. And, in the near future, you will be able to purchase your very own piece of Random Fandom Life through our Shop section! Patience is a virtue. We don't possess it, but we hear it's nice.
Interested in being a part of the fun? Contact us and let us know! We are always looking for people to help with the vision of making the world a better place through fandom unity.
~ Random Fandom Life
This blog post is pulled from a Facebook post by Kirby Rosser, founder of the Facebook group WeAreSPNFamily. We found it to be a great analysis of the arc of the character Chuck/God and figured you would enjoy it as well. Thanks, Kirby, for letting us snag your genius!
I am so bad at keeping up with blogs. My apologies. On the plus side, I make up for my complete lack of communication by sharing the love and giving away cool stuff.
Cover Art by Chris Griffin
Here at Random Fandom Life, we support all types and genres of fandom. We believe anything that brings people together and inspires them to love each other and make a difference in the world is something to be celebrated. We also believe that anything that helps people to help themselves is something that should be shared.
Here at Random Fandom Life, we support all types and genres of fandom. We believe anything that brings people together and inspires them to love each other and make a difference in the world is something to be celebrated. We also believe that anything that helps people to help themselves is something that should be shared.
A few days ago I went to the book release party in Los Angeles for Lynn S. Zubernis’s new book Family Don’t End With Blood. It is a collection of essays from cast and fans on how the television show Supernatural
has changed lives.
