Dear Mountain and Valley Mamas,

Welcome.

What if someone gently asked what motherhood really feels like out here?I’m gathering stories from rural mothers including those navigating difference, disability, and/or exceptionality—a path I walk too.

You don’t need to be a writer or an artist. You just need to be YOU. Stories can be spoken in person, drawn, whispered, sung, e-mailed, or simply felt. Your pace, your time.

There are hundreds of mothers here navigating life solo or in partnership, raising exceptional kids, and holding complex truths—yet so many of our stories remain untold and I believe your voice isn’t just welcome—it’s vital.

Together, we’ll shape an evolving collection of in person conversations transcribed—eventually forming the first draft of a manuscript, and leading perhaps to other companion projects. 100 Women | 100 Oceans launches in September 2025, but early interest helps it take root. 

If this invitation creates even a small ripple of curiosity in you, I hope you’ll reach out to ask me your questions and pre-register. Come as you are—in sweatpants or sequins, with your story, with art (optional), even with silence. I look forward to sitting together.

Carina Costom
Carina Costom

About Me

Frequently Asked Questions

PROJECT PART ONE

The Timeline

Fall 2025 to Fall 2026 to complete:

   ▣  100 interviews
   ▣  100 written and visual artistic responses.
   ▣  A first draft of a manuscript.

The Steps

Step 1: We Talk

We’ll find a good time to connect. You can ask anything. If it feels right, we’ll go over a simple consent form—something you can take your time with. I’ll send back any notes we make for your feedback. You’re welcome to choose a different name if that feels safer.

Step 2: Reflect

I’ll create something in response—maybe a poem, an image, or a feeling turned into art. You’re welcome to see it, or not. There’s no pressure.

Step 3: We See What Emerges

You may be invited to join others in gentle gatherings—one-on-one or in small circles. This part is wide open. You can offer ideas, or simply witness. Your presence is enough.

Optional: Express Yourself

If it calls you, you’re invited to create something too—words, images, whatever feels true. You can keep it just for you, or share it. Entirely your choice.

RULE NUMBER ONE: There are no rules.
RULE NUMBER TWO: Ignore rule number one. Here's why.

Make Peace

make peace
with all the women you once were.
lay flowers at their feet.
offer them incense and honey and forgiveness.
honor them
and give them your silence.
listen.
bless them
and let them be.
for they are the bones of the temple you
sit in now.
for they are the rivers of wisdom
leading you toward the sea.

I have been a thousand different women.

- Emory Hall

www.emoryhall.com

Sponsors

It is with with deep appreciation and gratitude that I thank my generous mentor, Zaynab—performance poet, storyteller, and artist—for her unwavering encouragement and creative spark. I’m equally grateful to Jai Sequoia, whose clarity, skill, and patience have shaped both print and web with care. And to Mackenzie—thank you for sponsoring the first round of outreach postcards with such generosity of spirit.
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This project is stronger because of your presence.