Blogs

By Jamy May Wagner

My one word to describe my cherry-popping year at the Erma conference is “diet.” I wonder if you’re thinking that I mean, “Oh, damn, now I gotta go on a diet!” But that’s not it! Quite the opposite. 

Due to my finely-honed mental ability to turn a platter full of brownies into an unrecognizable brown blur, and the conference organizers’ consistent and reliable offerings of diet-friendly foods, I made it through the entire weekend having had only one small gluteny-delicious brownie. The thoughtful and well-planned food options allowed for a breezy time staying simultaneously full and diet compliant. My health thanks you!

Otherwise, I received a steady diet of all the medicine the doctor prescribed: etched glasses full of love (no need to steal), salad plates piled high with friendship, and dinner plates loaded with helpings of meaningful conversation. I was spoon-fed joy and laughter. I was beer-bonged raw honesty and authenticity. It all felt so good going down the hatch. 

For dessert, I was offered the delightfully deep pleasure of being told that I, too, had inspired others by reading my essay, “The Family That Pees Together, Succeeds Together,” during open mic night. I had helped a few people remember memories long forgotten, look back in time a bit, laugh, share, gain confidence and… write. 

I’m stuffed full! Fat and happy with ideas, thoughts, words, motivation and warm, fuzzy feelings about all the lovely humans I met…. This kind of diet is exactly what the naturopath ordered! 

P.S. I inadvertently left behind my no-need-to-steal etched glass of love. I was drunk and forgetful on the first-night-of-Erma excitement. Does anyone have an extra glass they’d be willing to mail to the interior of the Interior of Alaska? (The hilarious Janey C. gave me that interior line!)

—Jamy May Wagner

Jamy May Wagner studied English Literature, Writing, and Political Science at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas; but then she found love and followed him to Austin, where she completed her B.A. at beautiful St. Edward’s University. Since then, she has become perhaps one of the most prolific writers whose work you have never seen. Distracted from publishing, she’s been living an off-grid life in the woods of Interior Alaska and experiencing adventures, heartaches, and sometimes unbelievable truths. She’s currently preparing her website for public viewing, JamyMayWagner.com, and steadying herself to embark on social media, maybe Instagram to start. She’d love to hear from you at Jamy@JamyMayWagner.com.