Feeling Support at FLA

I can’t believe it has been exactly three months since I moved back to Florida from Los Angeles.  I wrote about the transition just two months ago (read that post here: http://stand-uplibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/02/floridian-of-month.html) and now I know that it was one of the best decisions I have made in years.  In leaving, I not only found what really makes me happy, but I also have the support that helps my talents grow in the right direction.  You can have all the talent in the world but without the right team of people lifting you up, it is meaningless.

It is never easy creating something that nobody has ever done before and while my goal for StandUpLibrarian.com was always to educate and entertain people about libraries, I forgot how difficult it was going to be to educate people about who I was!!!  Yes, I am a librarian with a Master’s degree.  Yes, I am a comedian too. Hence the name: Stand-Up Comedian + Librarian = Stand-Up Librarian.

I am also, as everybody should know by now, unemployed!  I created StandUpLibrarian.com to have something positive to do while looking for jobs.  What people don’t know is that everything you see on here I have done myself and I have done it all for free.  FOR FREE!  I might not have money, but I do have time and I think being an advocate for libraries is just as important as working at one (‘Stand-Up’ in my name also refers to standing up for libraries by taking action.)

So you can only imagine how truly joyful and excited I feel at finally seeing all of my work take flight at the Florida Library Association’s 2012 Annual Conference last week.  Two years ago, there was no StandUpLibrarian.com.  I was just a student at FLA about to graduate with my Masters degree from USF.  But this year, thanks to one woman’s kind heart, I was able to come back and perform as the Stand-Up Librarian.  Just her support in that one decision changed everything for me.

In performing, I got the chance to thank the people who have inspired me all these years.  I also got to see and hear a roomful of librarians laughing at my literary jokes.  More importantly, I was able to show those students about to graduate that if I can survive without a library job for two years and still have a smile on my face, anything is possible…you just have to believe it & maybe even create it.

Finally, over at my display table in between hugs and photos, I learned that people loved my literary purses as much as I did…and I SOLD OUT OF THEM!  Today, in addition to writing this blog post, I am sewing more bags for all the online orders (to order one, visit my Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeredithMyersDesigns.)  Plus I am responding to emails about possible jobs and fielding phone calls about future performances.  And why?  Because one woman believed in me and gave me a chance. Thanks Linda.

With Linda Goff, my hero.

Showcasing my talents at my display table.
I would later sell all these bags.

With my two mentors - Gene & Maggie.
Their support over the past two years has been incredible.

Being Fearless with Oprah

So much has been going on that I could write about but I guess I will share the most exciting…I MET OPRAH!

Just after meeting Oprah.

I had remarkably gotten tickets to her OWN show “Oprah’s Lifeclass: The Tour” in New York City featuring life coach Tony Robbins after submitting myself online a few months back.  Like a lot of people, I had tried to get tickets to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for some twenty plus years but never had any luck…until now.  It was weird that after being chosen (which was exciting enough), I was then told a week later that I would be sitting in the orchestra rather than the mezzanine as originally assigned.  In picking up my tickets, I was then given 6^th row.  On arrival for the live show on April 2^nd, I was suddenly 3^rd row.  Things just kept getting better, which was a lot like my life since leaving Los Angeles.

I had surprised a co-worker from my PR days in NYC by putting her name down as my guest for the show.  She had been having a tough time being an unemployed, single parent, having to move home with her mother, and I just knew Oprah and Tony would say something to inspire her to not give up.  Secretly I needed Oprah and Tony too.  I am strong but even I have days when I feel like my strength is not going to be enough.

My friend barely had the $18 for the roundtrip train ride into NYC for the show & my brother had helped me with my flight from Florida, so for us broke, unemployed people to be sitting 3^rd row was truly God’s work in motion.  I don’t know what you believe in but I’ve always known that a higher power has been guiding me all of these years because it is the only reason I am still sane and hopeful that what I have been though will eventually make sense one day.

I was dressed in my librarian attire with book skirt and matching purse from my new literary bag line.  Oprah has done incredible things for libraries & literacy, so if I had the chance to thank her, even in just my outfit that perhaps she would never see, I would.  The publicist in me also knew to be prepared.  Maybe a fellow audience member would like the purse & want to buy one.  Or maybe Adam Glassman, Creative Director of O Magazine would see my purse casually hanging off my chair and just have to feature them in next month’s issue!

Only we weren’t sitting on the aisle.  We were placed two seats over.  So we made the decision to move.  I know it sounds like a simple task (or a silly one considering how lucky we had been so far), especially when the producers seemed stressed about seating 4,000 more people in Radio City, but here’s the kicker, it wasn’t even my idea!  I was actually afraid to piss them off by moving a chair over.  I know I know.  I have this reputation for being fearless and standing up to injustice and taking the punches from people in positions above me, but I was still scared.

Then I looked at my necklace which had the word FEARLESS written on a pewter puzzle piece (which ironically ended up being the theme of this particular Lifeclass.)  The charm was the last thing I had bought before leaving Los Angeles.  It was some type of affirmation jewelry that was supposed to remind me that whether I was leaving LA or still an unemployed librarian after two years, I had nothing to be afraid of – things were going to work out.

Suddenly moving chairs seemed stupid.  Then walking up to Oprah and giving her a hug seemed easy.  Yep, that’s right.  I hugged Oprah.  Out of over 4,000 people, I was the only one who seized the moment and went for it.  I remember seeing the proof that she was wearing fake eyelashes.  The rest was a blur. 

Obviously our new seats weren’t just good, they were great!  We were seated behind all of the people being interviewed for the show.  I stood up for Steve not just because I had quit drinking too, but so I could see around his head when Oprah decided to give her shoes to an audience member.  Size 10, folks.  Heck, her best friend Gayle King was seated just a few seats from us, across the aisle next to Tony Robbins’ wife, and yes, Adam Glassman was there too.  Seeing these ‘celebrities’ in attendance was fun (although we had both worked with bigger stars so that is not the point in name dropping here), it was that two unemployed, down-on-their luck girls were pretty much given the best seats in the house…without asking for them.

So imagine if I actually asked for something, what I could get!  Hence this blog post.  It’s not that I met Oprah or went to this show, it is that I needed to learn once and for all to be fearless - all of the time.  We all do.  We need to stop being afraid that we are going to upset somebody by our choices.  I have spent the last two years censoring my jokes and thoughts on the library field because I didn’t want to hurt my chances at getting a job and you know what?  It hasn’t made a difference.  I am still unemployed. 

So I will say it now.  Oprah, get ready for my phone call - we are doing a show.  Adam, get ready for my email - we are promoting my literary bags.  And library field, you better start changing your hiring procedures or you are going to miss out on someone truly great.  Stop judging candidates by a two-page resume or a short list of qualifications.  Most of the people that are going to take this field in the direction it needs to go in order to survive aren’t sitting in the seats assigned to them.  We are the ones rebelliously moving to the front.

I am FEARLESS.  Are you?

Thank you Oprah Winfrey, Anthony Robbins, and Lifeclass staff.

Link to videos from our episode with Tony Robbins:

http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Full-Episode-Oprahs-Lifeclass-the-Tour-with-Tony-Robbins-Video

Link to classnotes from our episode (my pic with Oprah I tweeted is on here too):

http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Oprahs-Lifeclass-Class-Notes-Tony-Robbins

The moment in the show that got to me (and dangitt I was caught on camera!):

http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Tony-Robbins-on-Achieving-Success-After-Failure-Video

Stand-Up Librarian / Meredith Myers Designs!

"So the Stand-Up Librarian sits down at a sewing machine and decides to sew something..."

I am writing from New York City, the fashion capital of the USA, and the place where I first developed my sense of style and love of fashion when I moved here in 2000.  It only seems fitting that I launch my newest passion project in the place that started it all...seriously, I am sitting here in the middle of the Fashion District!  My old office at Vivienne Tam is around the corner…(but that is a whole other story.)   

For the past month, I have spent most of my time sitting in front of a sewing machine, reconnecting with my love of designing and assembling fabrics into wearable art.  Sewing was one of the last things I ever expected to do once I moved back to Florida but I have learned numerous times over the years not to question where my journey sometimes takes me. 

Should something bring you happiness…go with it. 

I originally launched Meredith Myers Designs in 2004 after moving away from NYC and finding my grandmother's sewing machine collecting dust in the garage.  She had passed away the weekend I moved to NYC, so it was odd that when I returned to Florida four years later, it was like she wanted me to know that things were going to be okay. 

After years as a publicist, struggling comedian, and now a failed author with an unpublished manuscript sitting on my desk, sewing gave me something fun to do while I tried to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.  Nothing seemed to be working but her sewing machine from the 1970’s.  Since I'd always had an eye for fashion and fabric, it made sense that if I couldn't find what I wanted in stores, I might as well make it myself!

I got in some newspapers, and sold some purses through friends, but my heart wasn’t in being a fashion designer.  A bag is a great accessory to looking good, but what truly makes an outfit fabulous was the knowledge on the inside of the person wearing it.  I wanted to focus on that path.  Which was unpaved at this point, so I went to the library for information and to conduct some research.  Next thing I knew, I was in grad school studying to be a librarian, and then moving to Los Angeles.  So the poor sewing machine that I loved so much went back to collecting dust in the garage. 

However as you already know, after five long years in LA, I am back in Florida...and now sitting at that sewing machine again!  I am once again unemployed, however, this time I know what I want to do with my life!

As the Stand-Up Librarian, my mission has always been about educating and entertaining people about the importance of libraries.  I believe each and every one of us can be an advocate for libraries whether we work in them or not.  So in addition to my literary comedy performances, videos, and witty commentary on StandUpLibrarian.com, I am now promoting literacy in my DESIGNS!  An example that nothing we ever do in our lives is a waste of time.

I say the only thing cooler than reading a good book is WEARING IT, so please help me share with the world the importance and necessity of our libraries and books by carrying one of my literary designs!  I am making cosmetic bags, wristlet purses, and the cutest fanny packs you will ever see since the awesome 80’s!  Seriously, I live for these literary fanny packs because when I have my arms full of library books, I don’t want the annoyance of a heavy purse on my shoulder!

All bags are made to order and sewn by me (when I am not on stage or at the library.)  The fabrics are also chosen by me depending on season, availability, and whether I enjoyed the book (sorry, no Jersey Shore or Paris Hilton books will be included here.)  All bags are fully lined in coordinating fabrics and contain strong zippers so you won't lose that library card.  I offer various price ranges so whether you are a library student or a library director, you can still own a Stand-Up Librarian original!

My Etsy shop is now officially open, so GET SHOPPING!!!!  The link is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeredithMyersDesigns

I hope you will enjoy my "book" bags as much as I loved making them.

Meredith,

The Stand-Up Librarian Designer

Meredith Hosts the Gulf Beaches Public Library Fundraiser

On Saturday, March 3^rd, I had the opportunity to host the Gulf Beaches Public Library’s 5^th Annual Food for Thought fundraiser in Maderia Beach, FL.  What a thrill it was to give back to the place where my dream of becoming a librarian began in 2005 when I met a librarian named Maggie Cinnella.  In 2010, I was volunteering at the library while finishing my last semester of graduate school, so my help with the fundraiser that year consisted of running around and doing whatever they needed me to do whether it was carrying plates of food and trying to convince people to spend more money on raffle items.  It is incredible that in just two years, I was now hosting the event!  Which once again consisted of carrying plates of food and trying to convince people to spend more money on raffle items.  But I also got a chance to tell jokes and play my purple ukelele that had been collecting dust for six years! 

 

More importantly, as a librarian, it gave me a chance to show gratitude to the people that made me want to work in the library field in the first place.  As a comedian, it gave me an open opportunity to heckle audience members into donating money to the library.  How cool is that?  A win-win for everybody!

Anyway, I know many of you out there couldn’t make it to the event, but you can still donate money!  Just go to http://gulfbeacheslib.org/ to learn how.  To see all the fun you missed, just watch the video above.  Enjoy!

Entertaining the crowd.

 

With Circulation Manager Stan Silverstein.

 

Library staff & volunteers come together
...over vino.

With Library Director Maggie Cinnella.

Playing my ukelele with Les Morrell.

Meredith Interviews Ryan Star!

I’ve been fortunate in my life to have met and worked with lots of talented people over the years, and one of those people came back into my life last week when he was performing a show in Clearwater, FL.  The incredibly talented Ryan Star.

I met Ryan back in September of 2002 while working as a publicist in NYC with a band called Angel 13.  Ryan was in a band called Stage and since they were childhood friends with Angel 13, they did a show together at the Mercury Lounge.  Like a lot of people, I was instantly hooked on Ryan’s energy, intensity, and passion as a performer.  His voice was raw, rugged and full of power.  When I heard him sing the song “I Will Be Something,” it not only made me realize I was working with the wrong band, but that one day I wanted to be something more than just a publicist.

While Stage was signed to Madonna’s label Maverick, they still weren’t getting the press and attention I felt they deserved (which happens a lot in the music industry), so I asked Ryan to give me several cds so I could pass them off to key people in the industry.  Ironically, one of those people was an A&R guy from Atlantic Records (they would sign him years later as a solo artist) and another was a Tampa radio DJ named Kristy Knight, who would interview him about his hit song “Breathe” from that very album.

Thanks to Ryan and many other people who have inspired me to follow my dreams, my focus has since shifted away from PR work to that of libraries and comedy, however I am still very much a publicist when it comes to promoting talent that I think has something truly special that deserves to be heard and shared with the masses.

Being a friend to Ryan all these years, I have supported him from his time on “Rockstar: Supernova” to his shows in Anaheim and Los Angeles to last week in Clearwater, and all of that has been great.  But what Ryan has done for me as a fan is far greater.  His music speaks to me in ways no other artist has.  His music talks about the struggles of unemployment (“Breathe”), the pain of heartbreak and moving on (“Right Now”), and most importantly, that no matter what challenges are before us, there is always a “Brand New Day” just around the corner.  Ryan gives us hope.

I cannot thank Ryan Star enough for being the soundtrack to my often difficult life, while at the same time asking him to continue making more music that inspires so many of us in numerous ways.  Because I know when I finally get to where I am going, I will most certainly need a really kick-ass theme song to celebrate. 

Ryan knows that before every show I text him begging him to play the old Stage song “Perfect,” which he never does.  I’ve never told him why.  For ten years, “Perfect” has been the song that cheers me up when things don’t work out…and despite what people may think, they don’t usually work out most of the time.  “Perfect” just reminds me to smile.

For more information on Ryan Star and to purchase his music, please visit RStar.net

With Ryan in LA after his Century City gig, 2007.

With Ryan in LA after The Troubadour show, 2010.

Floridian of the Month

It was one month ago today I was getting on a plane and leaving Los Angeles for Florida with nothing but faith that things would be okay once I got there.  I still wanted to be a funny librarian doing what I loved.  While things weren’t where I wanted them to be in LA, it was still a five-year investment and difficult to walk away from...even though I was probably the unhappiest I have ever been in my life.

Would I find library work in Florida?  Acting roles?  Places to perform comedy?

My faith paid off…in a matter of days. 

I applied to five library jobs and submitted a proposal to plan a fundraising event.  While at the library interviewing a local author for this blog, a comedy club owner booked me for a show.  In reading the local paper, I learned a film with James Franco was going to start shooting down the street. 

Was it really my faith that those opportunities happened?  Or was it me making an effort to find them?  I like to think it was both.  Of course, whether I get those jobs or people laugh at my jokes is out of my control and I’m done worrying about it.  More important than the acceptance of others is just me learning to be happy again wherever I am, because that is probably the one thing actually within my control and always has been.  After all, geography is just a zip code or a difference in humidity.  Only now instead of sitting in traffic for an hour to get to the beach, all I have to do is walk outside.

And performing at a comedy club on the beach?  Well, just watch how many times I smile.  Enjoy…

I LOVE Morris Lessmore!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I want to declare my love for…MORRIS LESSMORE! 

He isn’t People magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ or the newest cast member on “Glee,” but he is the star of the Oscar-nominated short film ”The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”  But don’t expect to see a MoAngelina on the red carpet at the Oscars talking to Joan Rivers.  Morris is an animated character who more or less would rather be at the library than brushing shoulders with Meryl Streep.  And you would too, if you saw the library he frequents.

Remarkably, I had the wonderful opportunity to see Morris’ film back in December in a private screening room at the Dreamworks Animation studios in Glendale, and that is where my love for him began.  But perhaps it is the publicist in me that waited until now to share it with you as the film is now nominated for an Academy Award in the Animated Short Film category and I hope this post will help generate some votes! (To any of the 6,000 Academy members who might be reading this, for the sake of reading, please vote for Morris!!!)

It is no secret to any of my Facebook or Twitter followers that like a broke Harvey Weinstein, I have already been “campaigning” for Morris and “The Artist” for months (that cute dog Uggie should have had a nomination!)  However, now I am getting the chance to explain why my love is so strong.  I am a huge fan of silent movies and especially the physical comedy of Buster Keaton (my other thrill of 2011 was seeing Buster Keaton’s “The Cameraman” at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood with a live orchestra as a part of the TCM Film Festival), and both Morris Lessmore and “The Artist” are exceptional films because they are perfect examples that even today in a world full of information overload, a great story can still be told without spoken words.

I know I know, a comedian applauding silence – rare.  But like reading a great book, silence often enables one to truly individualize the different textures and emotions of the story, allowing for varying interpretations.  And to me, that is what makes great art in any format, in any decade - storytelling resulting in a personal experience motivating one to think, feel, and hopefully, motivate as well.  What Morris Lessmore does in a variety of innovative filmmaking techniques, is tell the story of how stories can change your life.  

I have shared many personal experiences on here in how the library has changed my life for the better.  If I wanted to learn a new skill, I went to the library.  If I wanted to start a new career, I went to the library.  If I felt lonely or lost, I went to the library.  Thanks to William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg of Moonbot Studios, we now have this beautiful gift of film as a reminder of just how magical the library is.  A true love letter to literacy, if there ever was one.

So forget chocolate, flowers, and jewelry this Valentine’s Day, just give the love of books & libraries to your valentine by downloading the FREE film – that’s right, it is free right now on iTunes AND you can download the award-winning iPad app as well. BUT because I love all of you very much, I have provided it here as well (thanks Vimeo!)  


Happy Valentine's Day! 
Love, 
MM (& Morris!) 

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

  

About “The Fantastical Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”:

“Inspired in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, "Morris Lessmore" is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation), award-winning author/illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. "Morris Lessmore" is old-fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.” – MorrisLessmore.com

Please visit the Morris Lessmore website to learn more about the film & links to download the iPad app:

http://morrislessmore.com/

Plus mark your calendars for July 24^th when the book version of Morris Lessmore will be released by Simon & Schuster:

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Fantastic-Flying-Books-of-Mr-Morris-Lessmore/William-Joyce/9781442457027

Where my love affair with Morris Lessmore began. The guy loves hats & books. DONE. Thanks Dreamworks!

At the Egyptian Theatre for a screening of Buster Keaton's "The Cameraman." Thanks TCM!

Seeing "The Artist" again, this time at the historic Tampa Theatre, built in 1926!

Back to Florida with Author Tim Dorsey!

After spending most of January wrapping up my five years in Los Angeles and relocating back to my native Florida, it seems only fitting that my first video interview of 2012 should be with Florida author Tim Dorsey at the Gulf Beaches Public Library.  It was there in 2005 that I met Library Director Maggie Cinnella and decided to become a librarian.  I cannot thank Maggie and Tim enough for welcoming me back with such kindness and humor, reminding me that you can always come home again…and usually with a ton of crazy stories about the journey.  Dorsey’s Serge Storms character seems mild compared to some of the people I have met over the years!  Enjoy the video…especially the beach walk with me! 

 

For more information on Author Tim Dorsey, please visit:

http://timdorsey.com/

For more information about events at the Gulf Beaches Public Library, please visit:

http://gulfbeacheslib.org/

 

Happy New Year!

Since it is already the 5^th, most of you have probably put away your party horns and finally sobered up from all of those champagne toasts!  I actually celebrated six months of sobriety yesterday – a decision I made back on July 4^th not as a result of alcoholism or drug addiction, but because I needed a very clear head to make an important decision that would perhaps alter my life in a big way - whether or not to leave Los Angeles.

As I am exhausted from traveling (and as a result developed a slight cold), I will utilize my activities and photos from New Year's Eve to tell a short story in how I made that difficult decision...

This past year was like a labyrynth of little bags of lights leading me on a path through the darkness of the unknown.  Some days it seemed like I was on the right path, only to be faced with a dead end where I would then have to turn back around and attempt a different approach. 

Once in awhile, out of the blue, a miracle would happen - like snow falling from the sky in Florida...

  

...or comp tickets to a Cheap Trick concert from an old friend, reminding me to remain hopeful and optimistic, things could change in a moment, often when you least expect them.

And while 2011 was full of obstacles and setbacks, there were several successes too.  Celebrating the New Year not with a toast of champagne, but sparkling white grape juice?  It took 20 years to accomplish that one!

And the next morning when I greeted 2012 with my eyes fully open - not influenced by alcohol or the opinions of others - I found that everything was suddenly so clear.  The resolution I tied on this 10-ft 'Resolution Dress' wasn't about zip codes, income, or job titles, but about my willingness to accept life's journey wherever it may lead me.

I know now that leaving Los Angeles isn't about quitting, giving up, or failing.  It isn't filled with anger or sadness either.  It is just another step in the adventure that is my life.  All I have to do is continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my friends and supporters of Stand-Up Librarian!  I am back in Florida with my family, where I am mostly enjoying the beach because it is so hot here.  Instead of a snowman, I had to build a sandman.  I named him Neil, in honor of Neil Gaiman who wrote The Sandman comic book series, but you knew this right?

The sunsets are absolutely incredible here.  This one inspired me to take off my flip-flops and Santa hat to go for a swim.  Until I got to the water and realized how cold it was.  Plus my parents were like "Put your clothes on, Meredith, there are kids out here!"

Then I got hungry and decided to make gingerbread because I am absolutely obsessed with it.  I don't know if this is because I am a 'ginger' or a just a fan of bread, so I did some research like any good librarian would.  Did you know we have Germany to thank for Gingerbread houses?

Instead of taking the next two days to make a Gingerbread Library, I settled on a Gingerbread Cheesecake, which I then topped with Gingerbread men cakes and Gingerbread men cookies.  Each cookie represents a guy I once dated.  Too bad I can't remember their names.

Anyway, if there is one thing I love more than libraries, it is the holidays! Whether walking on the beach, baking in the kitchen, or standing in a wooden wreath all by yourself, there are endless opportunities to give joy.  Writing on this blog always brings me joy, but it is a true Christmas miracle that there are people like you out there reading it!

     

I hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season with your family and friends.  It has been an interesting year but I am always aware that the true message of the holidays is to shop at Macy's.  No wait, stupid commercial just came on again.  The message is to BELIEVE.  In Santa.  In God.  In returns without a receipt.  Whatever.  Just believe in something.  We are all capable of anything if we believe...of course there is no guarantee on how long that will last, so that's where your family and friends come in.  After all, sometimes the best gift is just having someone believe in YOU!