Emily E Mahon
Bio
My training is in vocal performance and I love the fact that I'm sharing my writing practice on a platform called "vocal." It's just too perfect. I hope you enjoy!
Stories (32/0)
Passing Along the Tradition
In 1990, when I was 11 years old, my mom took me on a 10 day trip to the United Kingdom. It was life-changing. I was able to see all of the things I had read about or seen in movies, in real life; right there in front of me. The world opened up to me in ways that I’m still realizing as an adult, when I compare my perception of life on earth to others I know, who haven’t had the privilege to travel. Recently, I was being interviewed for a podcast and I brought the trip up as an example of what propelled me into a career in arts and culture. The trip was so pivotal to my future growth that I swore when my first child reached 11, I would do the same. I would take them on a 10 day trip to the UK. This summer was that year; the year I would be able to share that experience with my first born.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Wander
A Pandemic Story
In November Ella decided to dress-down for her visit to the food bank. Last time, when she pulled up in her electric blue Volvo XC90 on a good hair day, in full make-up, she got more than a few side-eyes. Her hope was that they all thought she was picking up food as charity for an elderly neighbor. But that wasn’t the case. She halfway hoped that she wouldn’t qualify when they had her fill out the form that first visit. She even called her husband to confirm the numbers, so that a portion of the all-consuming shame she felt could be lifted from her shoulders. She was shocked at the tears that ran down her cheeks when she realized that not only did they qualify to receive food, they qualified at one of the lowest levels, which meant that her family was getting more food than the family next to her with the broken down 1999 Toyota Corolla. The relief of qualifying so that she could bring home food for her family, was quickly overshadowed with even more shame and disappointment. Thankfully, the volunteers at the food bank didn’t bat an eye; didn’t miss a step; didn’t give one single indication that she shouldn’t be there. They were gracious, kind and generous; even offering jokes and getting her to laugh a little. When the back of the Volvo was full to the brim with boxes of donated fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and goodies, the volunteers reminded her that she could come back no sooner than 30 days. They marked the date on her receipt. Then she backed out of the parking lot and started on her way home; a home she hoped she could keep.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Feast
- Top Story - September 2022
3 Ways to "Read Art" at a MuseumTop Story - September 2022
My children are spoiled. In many ways, but in this article I'm referring to their exposure to arts and culture, and particularly to museums. They won't realize how spoiled they are until they grow up and realize that not everyone else's mom worked in museums let alone at a leadership level in museums and could provide unlimited access to the extraordinary.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Wander
Mission One
Chapter 1: Jasmine & Cedar Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. But I did. I do. All the time. The screaming never stops. When I adjust my focus, the muted screaming still fills the background noise to my thoughts, a constant reminder of a choice.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Fiction
Your Job is Not Your Life
A few summers ago, I found myself questioning my life-work balance pretty hard. As all working moms and wives, I felt pulled a million different directions and CONSTANTLY exhausted. Not much has really changed since last summer, but considering that it's a new year, I feel compelled to share a little exercise that provided me a little perspective on my own time balance. Not saying it was entirely helpful. But it's definitely a different perspective.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Journal
Bragging
A few years ago I remember having a conversation with my newly hired employee discussing the importance of us each having a Bragging Wall in our workspaces. (Some would rather call it a Celebration Wall, as bragging has a somewhat abrasive quality in it’s dictionary definition, but I that edge is what I like, and helps drive me forward, so I’ll stick with the right to “brag.”) It is so important to learn how to (tastefully) toot your own horn.
By Emily E Mahon2 years ago in Journal