New Year’s has me ruminating on the highs and lows of the last three to four years. Two years of being high from weight loss, hoping for an agent/publisher, and a fabulous trip to Ireland has given way to just plain wanting to stop coughing.
After diet-disrupting stomach issues and months of chronic hacking, I watched the video below from two perspectives: (1) with nostalgia for the “Mulvenna Clan” tale (told at a storytelling event called Voice Box) and (2) with the snark of a Friends episode—the one with Monica explaining away a video of her once large size as “The camera adds ten pounds!” and Chandler reacting with “How many cameras are on you?!”
I can look at my image and see failure, again (and my inexpert video editing face below.) But what I should do is internalize my story, get back on the proverbial wagon, and hope my story’s message rings true not just for those in the Mulvenna clan and anyone else interested, but for me too.
Happy New Year to all.
Categories: Storytelling
Jaqui Mulvenna: Behind My Mask 
Jacqui- you are quite a beautiful story-teller, and you’re relatives in Ireland sound so welcoming and wonderful that I want to visit them myself!
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Great job Jaqui, very interesting and enjoyable. Happy New Year!
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Great job Jaqui, very interesting and enjoyable. Happy New Year! John Dv.
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Oh Jaqui, as the Irish say ‘(you wear your heart on your sleeve) and so beautifully at that. A good writer Ian understatement. Love you a bunch for sharing what is in the hearts of the whole Mulvenna x Norris Clan.
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Brilliant story, all true of course…I was there!
As Paudreen’s (the kind cousin from the North of Ireland) sister I can assure you Jacqui that ‘awkward’ or ‘socially inept ‘ are not words I would associate with you. Confident, fun and family are the words I think of.
Told with emotion, humour and love…look forward to the day you return to ☘.
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This was such a wonderful story and so happy you shared this. You have a wonderful talent and are as wonderful and kind and welcoming as those you spoke of. I loved it.
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Oh Jaqui , what a wonderful memoir. You’re too kind with your words. You should be very proud, as I’m sure your grandparents would be. It was wonderful to have met you as everyone who met you also said…. and not at all awkward!! A very brave, loving family woman you are. It was my pleasure. I look forward to meeting you again. Much love from your cuz, Paudreen xx
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