Red Does Divorce...or does she?

A million years ago, I became Lotus Blu Mama, a blog that I started to document my transition from having an advertising career with a million dollar media corporation to being a WAHM. And let's just say, that transition was, um, a bit traumatic. Over time my inner voice was beyond stifled, confused and frustrated, to the point when one day she decided to come out screaming like a Banshee. Her name was Lotus Blu Mama. 

Those who know, know. I spent years as LBM until the Tribune took notice. If I were to write for them, I would have to change my blog name. My friends have and still do give me the nickname of Red. And at the time, I had a husband and two kids. My company. At that point, Red & Company was born. 

Again, those who know, know. Most of you reading this are (were) followers of my blog hosted by ChicagoNow. You saw my career go from 0 - 1,000mph. Suddenly I was getting nation attention...on television twice, on multiple radio talk shows, secured speaking gigs, even did a stint at the Laugh Factory.  

Like, whaaaaaaa?

But then the reality of my declining marital life hit a wall. Divorce was inevitable. Red became a victim of a life altering train wreck.  My voice was silenced, and creativity was left struggling on life support. For however long. 

Then one day, as I was laying in the fetal position on my couch, inhaling a bag of Oreos and sucking on a bottle of Chardonnay, I came across a show called 'The Girlfriend's Guide To Divorce'. This was a show about a writer going through a separation and divorce, and all the shitshows that followed. After binging the whole first season, I cried. 

Holy crap. This is me. This is ME! I felt every word, every sentence, every episode. It covered all the heartbreak, joy, pain, freedom, confusing oxymorons, life changing challenges that include moving to a new home, a complete mental breakdown, becoming a single mom (again), and the continuation of having sex with the one you are divorcing. 

Yes, you read that last part correct. Masochistic much?! But that's for another blog...

Anyhoo...so during this period I had a AH-HA moment. What if I actually blog about everything I was going through. Every sad, disgusting detail. Because, hell, someone out there must be going through the same thing, right? Right?!

So I contacted my then editor, said I want to change my blog name to Red Does Divorce. He was totally on board, my name was changed on the CN site...and then it sat there. Stagnant, like that writing lobe in my brain. Eventually, so much time has passed I didn't even know where to begin. When I should've jumped that train, it has already passed. 

And then so did my platform. The Chicago Tribune recently shut down ChicagoNow. Hundreds of the most talented writers I've ever met lost our work. It's a bitter pill we're still swallowing. 

So, Lotus Blu Mama, who became Red & Company, whom I was planning on becoming Red Does Divorce is now Tasher On The Spot. 

Be kind. She's been though a lot. She worn, she sensitive. And she hopes you will still love her.