Meet Me at The Luna Lounge: A Nostalgic Glow to Chat Rooms with an Adoptee Flair
Let me take you behind the scenes of why I chose this name, how it connects to the adoptee experience, and how our kickoff event already proved this space is something magical.
Naming something as personal and meaningful as a live chat space for adoptees wasn't easy, but as soon as The Luna Lounge popped into my mind, I knew it was the one. Let me take you behind the scenes of why I chose this name, how it connects to the adoptee experience, and how our kickoff event already proved this space is something magical.
Why The Name The Luna Lounge?
A Luna Moth changed my life—or at least my perspective. I remember the first time I saw one. Its delicate, otherworldly wings were painted in the most stunning hues of green, and its sheer presence literally took my breath away. There's something hauntingly beautiful about a creature that only lives for a short time, emerging from its cocoon at night, quietly existing in the world without a sound.
For me, the Luna Moth symbolizes the adoptee experience in a deeply personal and profoundly emotional way.
When I reflect on my own story, I feel like I was the Luna Moth when I was born. For that brief moment, I was alive as my true, unaltered self—pure and whole, connected to my origins. But then adoption happened. The trauma of separation tore me apart, and the person I was meant to be—the real me—was silenced, buried under the weight of complex loss, separation trauma, abandonment, rejection, and disconnection. Like the Luna Moth, my brief, original existence was stolen by circumstances beyond my control.
Adoption took me out and left me grasping in the dark, trying to piece together the fragments of who I might have been. Yet, like the Luna Moth, I’ve spent my life searching, striving to reclaim my light, to navigate the darkness with persistence and quiet determination.
The Luna Moth begins its life in complete transformation—shedding, growing, waiting. Sound familiar? Like adoptees, it carries its history in silence but emerges as something undeniable. Its life is fleeting, its purpose profound, and its beauty indescribable, yet it doesn't scream for attention. Instead, it glows softly, navigating the shadows with an inner light that no one can extinguish.
Adoptee life, too, often feels like navigating the dark—a constant search for meaning, connection, and understanding. The Luna Moth's journey mirrors ours in its strength and quiet power. It reminds me that even when our past feels shattered, we can still rise, leave a lasting impression, and find purpose.
That’s why The Luna Lounge exists: a space where adoptees can come to shine, connect, and feel seen. A space where we can share the raw, real moments and, together, rediscover the magic of who we are.
And just like that, The Luna Lounge was born—a space for real talk, raw connection, and, yes, even a little ADOPTEA MAGIC!
Our First Kickoff Event: Conversations That Soared
The energy during our very first live chat event at The Luna Lounge was nothing short of electric. Conversations flew by so fast I could barely keep up—and I loved every second of it! We laughed, shared stories, ranted (you KNOW we did!), and opened the door to the kind of real, raw connection that makes this community unique.
It was like stepping back into an old-school chat room but with adoptee vibes only. There were no judgments or filters—just honest, heartfelt exchanges. If you missed it, don't worry—this is just the beginning!
Why I Ditched Facebook Groups
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Facebook Groups. Over the past few years, Facebook has felt like wading through a swamp of toxicity. Finding meaningful, safe connections there has become increasingly complex, and I've discontinued most of my group activities on the platform.
Sure, the desire to connect with fellow adoptees has always been there—I've craved it—but Facebook? Safe? Not a chance. And let's be honest, the internet itself isn't exactly a fortress of security. Anything we post online can be shared, screenshotted, or spread around faster than you can say "data breach." No space is genuinely safe, if we're being honest, but The Luna Lounge? It's my best effort to create something unique, meaningful, and far away from the noise of mainstream social media.
Now, does that mean we'll never run into trolls or cyberbullies? Of course not—it's the internet, after all. But I've built The Luna Lounge on Substack with the intention of creating a vibe that's radically different from Facebook's chaos or Instagram's overplayed algorithms.
Substack reminds me of the old-school chat room days when people came together for honest conversations—not just for likes, shares, or filters. I wanted to recapture that energy, and The Luna Lounge is my answer. So, if Facebook and Instagram feel stale and overdone to you, too, trust me—you're going to love it here.
Allies Welcome: A Special Invitation to Listen, Learn, and Celebrate
We're thrilled to announce that The Luna Lounge will be hosting special live chats on occasion, inviting our allies to join us in celebration and understanding. These events will include spaces designed explicitly for non-adoptees to ask adoptees thoughtful questions and gain a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be adopted. Whether you're curious, supportive, or just eager to learn, this is your chance to engage with authenticity and heart.
Now, if you are adopted and this particular vibe isn't your jam, no worries—turn off your notifications for these epic sessions and join us for the next adoptee-centered chat. No hard feelings! We'll always advertise these ally-invited participation chats beforehand so you'll know when to expect them.
And let's be clear: the typical vibe of The Luna Lounge will always center on adoptee voices. Allies, when you join our live events, we invite you to experience the Lounge as a Listening and Learning Lounge unless the live chat was designed specifically for you to ask questions and participate. You will know in the description. You can learn much from hearing our stories, truths, and raw emotions by taking a step back and learning to be a heart with ears. For those willing to come with open hearts and minds, this space will be like no other—bridging gaps, fostering connection, and celebrating the adoptee experience in all its depth and complexity.
Why Join The Luna Lounge?
The Luna Lounge is more than just a live chat room. It's a cozy, quaint, and sometimes wild corner of the internet explicitly built for adoptees. Whether we're sharing holiday survival tips, ranting about the things only adoptees get, or just dropping by to say hi, this space is all about us.
The Luna Lounge live chats will kick off during the scheduled times listed on my The Real Adoptea Moxie Facebook page under the EVENTS tab, bringing all the energy and excitement of real-time conversations! During the live events, I’ll be hosting, and we’ll chat together in real time—think of it as an old-school chat room where anything can happen. It’s dynamic, fast-paced, and full of raw, real moments that can only happen live.
But don’t worry if you can’t make it during the live event. The chats will stay open afterward, transforming into an ongoing thread where you can join in at any time. While the real-time magic of live chats creates a unique vibe, the open thread ensures that no one misses out on the discussion. Whether you’re there for the live buzz or chiming in later, The Luna Lounge is here for you to connect, reflect, and share on your own time.
The holidays are tricky for many of us. Let's be honest: sometimes, every day can be a challenge. But in The Luna Lounge, you'll find support, connection, and maybe even a little laughter when you need it most.
How to Join
Joining The Luna Lounge is easy!
Subscribe to my Substack. This will give you access to our live events, updates, and announcements.
Turn on push notifications. You'll want to know when we go live—especially for those impromptu chats that pop up when you least expect them!
To turn on notifications, go to your Substack settings and enable push alerts.
Need a break for self-care? No worries. You can turn them off anytime, guilt-free.
Mark your calendar. Our next live event is on Thanksgiving Eve from 8 PM to 9 PM EST. Come say hello, share a laugh or tear, and find your people.
Stay Vigilant: Impromptu Chats
One thing you'll love about The Luna Lounge is that we're unpredictable. Sometimes, I'll open the Live Luna Lounge randomly in the early am for Moonlit Mornings: Coffee & Connection or Late Night Rant Sessions because the moment feels right. Keep those notifications on so you don't miss out!
Upcoming Themes
December Adoptea Magic: Voices of The Season Series is around the corner, and I've got some amazing themes planned for our chats:
Weekly Themes Each Saturday from 8P-9P EST:
Dec 7: Deck the Feels: Navigating Holiday Triggers
Dec 14: The Gift of Self-Care: Prioritizing Yourself & Setting Boundaries
Dec 21: Silent Night, Complicated Feelings: Grief, Loss, and Loneliness
Dec 28: Adoptee Anger: Finding Purpose in the Pain
Dec 31: New Year, Same Authentic You: A Celebration of Strength & Togetherness, Special Event 9P-11P EST.
Cost & Accessibility:
While many of our Luna Lounge live chats will be complementary and open for all to enjoy, we're saving some of the most exclusive, raw, and transformative series and conversations for our cherished paid subscribers—because some magic is worth investing in. A $5 monthly subscription gives you full access to every chat session, archived content, and 100% of my article archives.
The Glow Up: If the $5 subscription feels like a stretch for you right now, don’t stress—email me at pamelakaranova@gmail.com at least 24 hours before a live chat, and I’ll gift you a 3-month subscription, no questions asked. Whether you’re there for the live buzz, chiming in later, or receiving a little extra help to join, The Luna Lounge is here for you to connect, reflect, and share on your own time. I don’t want anyone to miss out!
The Magic of the Moment: Live and Beyond
There's something undeniably magical about a live chat—it's raw, honest, and electric. The energy is unmatched, with conversations sparking in real time like an old-school chat room where anything can happen. It's the vibe where you laugh, vent, and connect with people who get it, all in the moment.
But don't stress if you can't attend the live event! Most of our chats will stay open afterward, so you can jump in, share your thoughts, or keep the conversation going at your own pace. The difference? It won't be live anymore—but the dialogue will still be as meaningful and vibrant. So, whether you're a live chat junkie or prefer to pop in later, The Luna Lounge will always be here for you to join the conversation.
Giveaways Galore
Every time we host a live session in The Luna Lounge, we’re turning up the excitement with epic limited-edition giveaways for USA Adoptees! Think exclusive Luna Lounge swag, one-of-a-kind adoptee-themed goodies, and other surprises you won’t find anywhere else. These giveaways are crafted with our community in mind—something special to celebrate your presence and participation in this unique space. Whether it’s a custom t-shirt, a cozy Luna-inspired mug, or a little adoptee magic in tangible form, each giveaway is designed to make every live chat feel like an unforgettable event. Don’t miss your chance to snag something extraordinary while connecting with your fellow adoptees under the glow of The Luna Lounge!
Future Themes in The Luna Lounge to look forward to:
Themed Selfies
Open Mic Night: Luna Lounge Style
Adoptee Reunions: The Joy & Pain
Drink of the Night
Hobby Highlights & Self-Care Rituals
Hat's & Healing
What's On Your Adoptee Bookshelf?
Pet Cameos
Adoptee Feelings of Grief & Loss: Being A Heart With Ears
Your "Adoptee Anthem" playlist
Moonlit Mornings: Coffee & Connection
Adoptee Show & Tell
Two Truths & A Lie
Adoptee Word Cloud
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Creative Prompts: A Poetic Affair
Adoptee Relationships: Real & Raw Roundtable
Lyrical Luna: A Night of Verse and Vibes
Myth-Busting & Stereotype Smashing
Moonlight Magic Ritual
Adoptee Rant & Release Night
Adoptee Q & A for Non-Adoptees
Adoptee Community Brainstorm Night: Creating Resources Together
Wings of Imagination: Sharing Art in The Luna Lounge
Favorite Throwbacks, & Much more!
Join Us Under the Moonlight Glow of The Luna Lounge
Step into the magic of The Luna Lounge, where real talk meets moonlit vibes. Whether you're here to share, listen, or soak in the glow of authentic connection, there's always a seat waiting for you. Laugh, cry, rant, vent, and vibe with us under the enchanting glow of this one-of-a-kind adoptee space.
This Thanksgiving Eve, let's vibe together with real talk, authentic connection, and a dash of fun you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're new to this space or already part of the Lounge crew, thank you for being here. Let's make The Luna Lounge a place where we can shine, just like the Luna Moth—quietly beautiful, undeniably powerful. Trust us, the moonlight hits differently here. Â
See you tomorrow evening at The Luna Lounge Live Chat! 8P-9P EST!
I see you; I feel your pain for all the adoptees who feel forgotten, lost, and alone. Please don’t give up, and know you aren’t alone in feeling like you do.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please take immediate steps to ensure your safety. Contact a licensed mental health professional or text #988 for immediate assistance.
I have compiled a list of recommended resources for adoptees and advocates. It can be found here: Recommended Resources for Adult Adoptees and Adoption Advocates.
Thank you for reading and for supporting me and my work.
Understanding is Love,Â
Pamela A. Karanova
Here are a few articles that highlight the intersection of adoption, grief and loss I recommend reading:
The Essential Role of The Grief Recovery Method in The Adoption Constellation.
Still, Grieving Adoptee Losses, What My Adoptive Parents Could Have Done Differently.Â
Acknowledging Immeasurable Adoptee Grief, The Real Mother.
When Adoptees Know Loss Before We Know Love.
Bewildering Adoptee Grief on Infinite Repeat.
30 Things To Consider Before Adopting From An Adult Adoptee Perspective.
Adoptee Holiday Grief, The Gift That Keeps On Giving.
Adoption Hasn’t Touched Me. It’s Ruthlessly Kicked My Ass.
Adoption: Mislabeled, Medicated, & Diagnosed Adoptees Could Be Grieving Profoundly.
Adoption: Deconstructing Harmful Myths We've Learned About Adoptee Grief.
Grief From Adoption? Most People Think Of Death and Dying When They Think of Grief.
Disclaimer:
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