New Location for meetup group.

I was discussing with another meetup group participant about changing locations. The reasons being that the 61C is a public place and there are still alot of ignorant people out there who stigmitize mental health issues. We both noticed people easedropping on our conversation last night and laughing at us. I think that we should relocate this meeeting to Frick Park in Sq. Hill so that we can meetup away from people. This way we can alleviate prying ears and feel comfortable sharing and expressing ourselves .

John expressed the same kind of thoughts and has a friend who knows about pavillons, groves and picnic spots. It would be great to find one we can migrate to everytime the weather is good and bring our own refreshments too. Those who choose to eavesdrop and laugh at us must have nothing exciting going on in their lives. Please don't be put off by the ignorance and insensitivity of others. Part of us showing up in public places is just to let them know 'Were here and we aren't going away" We will take care of our own and oneday when they need support they will know where to come.

Anyway a grove or a picnic spot we can come to in good weather as a gathering spot certainly may bring out many more of us and we should investigate this. John is looking into it for now and I will speak with jeff as well and see if something works.

I really appreciate the way we are getting more active members and as organizers its important Jeff and I hear your ideas and you can help us by finding the best ways to put them to the test.

I'm looking into some options for upcoming meet-ups. I believe some public places invade our privacy and hinder mental well-being. I'll keep you posted on developements.
John

Let's remember what the intent of Motley Crew Cup O' Brew is....

The intent and spirit of the Motley Crew get togethers is to NOT discuss our mental and psychological problems just one day a week, and for only an hour or two; meaning a public, crowded space shouldn't be an issue at all. The 'therapeutic' purpose of Motley Crew is to spend an hour or two simply talking about, and laughing about all the silly things that make up our individual days and lives. I thought we were doing a good job of that overall. Part of the purpose of Motley Crew is PRECISELY to hang out in a normal..a PUBLIC place.

But I know full well from my own history of mental illness that when things aren't going very well, it is nearly impossible to avoid discussing oneself and ones problems. I would suggest that the spirit of the Motley Crew is to do ones best to fight this compulsion, at least for an hour or two. I also know, given my personality, that I could give a rip what anyone overhears me saying! LOL....

Anyway -- sort of demanding of oneself to DROP the constant self-analysis at least for a short time, one day a week, is therapeutic in of itself ... we all have interesting lives and thoughts and opinions APART from our mental illness! Being able to divert oneself from ones ongoing problems is a good thing.

The Wednesday meet ups at Western Psyche are for the purpose of discussing our mental illness, as are our therapists, and psychiatrists and any one of dozens of other resources available throughout the city.

Should people wish to have available a third option (meeting at a park, or grove) that is up to them, and I think it's great they want the chance to spend time with other people. But (with our moderator David's permission), I am inclined to leave Motley Crew as is, and where it is. There are too many people who attend that really enjoy these get togethers and appreciate the chance to 'be normal' for awhile.

Thanks for listening,

Jeff

Hi, all:



FYI: Several coffee shops have private rooms available at no cost--you just sign up ahead of time for the space. I'm thinking of the Coffee Tree on Walnut. Panera's at Waterworks also has a nice one, too, but that's probably too far for most of us. At any rate, I'm sure there are others if someone wants to check them out.

I am an old woman and I have dealt with my various mental problems for a long time, so I'm fairly comfortable talking about them in the open and even laughing at them when I can. But I can appreciate how some of us might not be so comfortable, so I will try to remind myself to be a bit more conscious and circumspect when we go out in public as a group. If I offended any of you by being breezy or raucous, please forgive me. It was not intentional.

Best,
Sandie

DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR HAVING SOME FUN!!!

In fact, I'm thinking of renaming the Tuesday get togethers, "BREEZY AND RAUCOUS" !

It's PERFECT!

Hi, I personally don't have any issues about meeting at 61C. I don't notice other people, I just block them out. Maybe they will learn something. How about a mix of meetings @ 61C and some where more private.
Jennifer L

I'd like to see some alternative places to 61C to go to for
our getting together outside of the WPIC meetings. I
called a number of Panera Bread stores to verify that
they had meeting rooms that can be reserved (some are
too small). Two that could accommodate us and that
would be handy are: Blvd of the Allies in Oakland (412/683-9616), and Forbes Ave (412/683-3727) opposite The Original Hot Dog. They ask for either $50 or that you spend money
in the store, and of course - to call ahead of time to reserve.
The stores in Fox Chapel and on McKnight in North Hills are
alternatives if folks don't mind a longer drive (for some).
I also like the outdoor parks idea. Let's go folks! Shake
a leg, shake your booty, shake something. Best regards to all, Janet Louise.

I hope to make it to the next casual meeting, and I second the idea that we should make public places our own, just like the rest of the world does. But the 61C is kind of close quarters, so a selection of places wouldn't hurt. http://img4.meetupsta... (Do these emoticons work?)