A Warm Beginning

Our Signs

What if there was a sign—or bat signal if you will—that let us know it's time to play? What are the conditions that draw you into playful experiences? And how do we create the life rhythms and context for play? When I first imagined Black Women at Play as an in-person experience and a podcast, an image came to heart that moved me. I’m feeling grateful to share some versions of that image with you (our signs), and chat about some of the ways we can invite ourselves and others into making space for and protecting our play practice. Check out the images here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ALyV6UqnEtrsDN3GJEy_Q405C1L6xRtt/view?usp=sharing]. To be in touch: BlackWomenAtPlay@gmail.com [BlackWomenAtPlay@gmail.com]

The Art Of Being Silly

Me and my friend Jess Brown, getting into shenanigans and our play roots today. We’re exploring what’s wonderful, what’s really hard, and what’s been transformed by our different ways of moving with play as a foundation, and a core part of who we are (both by nature and by repeated choice). I gathered some images, links, and other bits we mention in this episode here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_I2DqNjyi_nlXyOMBC2-4Hek8dTQSmoy/view?usp=sharing] (full URL below). Check out Jess’s dynamic art on instagram @theladyjbrown [https://www.instagram.com/theladyjbrown/], powerful water events at Float With Ease [https://www.float-with-ease.com/], and amazing shared workspaces/creative studios at East 33 [https://www.instagram.com/eastpvd33/] (which is where we recorded this episode). To be in touch: BlackWomenAtPlay@gmail.com [BlackWomenAtPlay@gmail.com] Ep. 2 Show Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_I2DqNjyi_nlXyOMBC2-4Hek8dTQSmoy/view?usp=sharing [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_I2DqNjyi_nlXyOMBC2-4Hek8dTQSmoy/view?usp=sharing] Ep. 1 Show Notes (in case you missed it): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tsn0BxvTI2rc0cBZ7sTnFQHeQWx-Jm44/view?usp=sharing [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tsn0BxvTI2rc0cBZ7sTnFQHeQWx-Jm44/view?usp=sharing]

Saturday Morning Cartoons & Hand Clapping Games

Back in the playground. Today, with me and my friend Becci Davis—getting into some nostalgia. From Elmer’s glue hands and click-pens, to stickers and hello kitty collections, to making potions and flower crowns. Nostalgia can feel like magic. Bringing us back to moments when we felt most alive, curious, and connected. It can also kick up grief, old wounds, and some cringe. So we do our best to move with care, find a balance, and welcome the powerful gifts that can find us when we practice with nostalgic play. I gathered some images, links, and other tokens mentioned in this episode here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tsn0BxvTI2rc0cBZ7sTnFQHeQWx-Jm44/view?usp=sharing]. Check out Becci Davis’ beautiful and moving work at beccidavis.com. To be in touch: BlackWomenAtPlay@gmail.org

A Warm Beginning

Pop into our playground, where the full spectrum of cozy nostalgia, nerdy curiosities, unapologetic cackles, silly shenanigans, and awkward Blackness is welcome. Come hear about some wishes and intentions for the podcast in the months ahead. Huge thank you to all the loved ones in my life who encouraged me to bring this sweet podcast from my heart into the world. Special gratitude to my dear friend Becci Davis for sound engineering support, and the endless other warm touchpoints you offered along the way to help me move past having almost zero tech savvy (lol), to standing firmly and joyfully in my creative energy.