I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today. It's always a pleasure to read what everyone writes about their lives.
It's an interesting thought to write that I am living my usual slices of life kind of the same as I used to do months ago. I write and read, I have family visit, I visit family. The grand-girls come to stay a few times a week. I cook, I clean and grocery shop. I talk on the phone with my son and family. I walk to find pleasures in the out-of-doors: nature, outdoor art, people walking dogs, shadows, sky.
Now, however, included in my life's slices are the politics of our country, an overwhelming and continuing challenge. I don't always want to write my slices of life about the latest crazy outrage, but it is changing my life. I continue to sign petitions, donate what money I can, call my congressional reps, and read, read, read. It's only day four!
I am proud of the millions of women who marched to protest our newly inaugurated president's actions. I stayed at my daughter's with the grand-girls to let her go with her friends. Some of the time we spoke of women's lives as they used to be, and how through protests, their lives improved. And it was hard, and they did not quit. But the girls are only five and seven, and while I know what I wish for them, right now I want to offer the tools that will help them grow strong, not the information that will confuse.
Those tools:
Talk about being smart, not always about being pretty.
Find and share books that show strong, interesting, creative and persistent girls and women.
Talk about behavior that matters: telling the truth, standing up for those who need it, speaking up with opinions about right and wrong, learning how to do things.
There is much to do. I had a lovely walk today, I picked up both girls and took them to their home, stayed until their mom came from work, and we had dinner together. My son-in-law is at the Sundance Film Festival with his colleagues. He is a film editor, and his company has three films being featured there this year. Hence the need to help my daughter a little bit with the girls.
Life continues, except for that over-riding nag: read more, do more, don't stop!
The next march is April 15th!
So much is changing. We will survive.
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful, certainly, but do not want to be complaisant. Thanks!
DeleteI am always inspired by you, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. It's good to read everyone's thoughts. I like reading yours, too.
DeleteAnd so the march for a better life for all young girls will continue, Linda. Our slices change with the times. You are filled with the spirit of giving your grangirls the tools to stand tall in this world. I love how you nurture them and help them understand values.
ReplyDeleteIt will continue, Carol, this time more than ever. Thanks!
DeleteSupporting marchers is being part of the march. I, too, worry about my granddaughter. And how exciting to be at Sundance!
ReplyDeleteYes about Sundance. We're all proud of his films! Thanks, Glenda, I will never stop fighting for the rights for all, and especially as my granddaughters grow up! I am hopeful that together we can stop unwelcome changes.
DeleteLinda, I love reading your slices. I love reading about your strong grand girls. We saw Hidden Figures last night, such an inspiring film. And have you noticed the Ruth Bader Ginsburg piece about how to raise a trail-blazing daughter? I think you're doing all those things for your grand girls. When I saw your titles, Life Changes, I thought it would be a reflection on retirement. Thanks for reminding us: "read more, do more, don't stop!"
ReplyDeleteWe're planning to see Hidden Figures soon. I somehow missed the RBG piece, will look for it, Ramona. Thank you!
DeleteI too struggle with finding my role -see how it is impacting my life and my job. I am thankful to have the time to read, think and act. Thank you for sharing your thoughts -- it helps me puzzle through mine. Those girls are so lucky to have you in their lives.
ReplyDeleteClare
Yes, I know from your slice about your own concerns. It's good to share and discover others' viewpoints. Thank you, too, Clare.
DeleteI'm with you Linda... don't stop! Exciting to know that your son-in-law is a film editor. Wow! Your life without politics sounds wonderful and now in our new world... we add activism. I miss HRC but we have to keep moving ahead to end Trumpworld.
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Yes, I certainly am concerned and don't plan to stop doing what I can, Bonnie. I'm glad to have people sharing news with me too, like you do!
DeleteI hope the marching brings some positive change. And maybe if not yet, it will at least help to grow a new generation of smart and caring and strong women.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Terje. It will help to keep people knowing they're not alone also.
DeleteYou are a model of citizenship for those grandgirls! I know they will always remember their grandmother as a doer and that will inspire them to do as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elsie. I am trying to be, but this is a whole new thing, isn't it?
DeleteWow...Sundance! I think we were spoiled during the age of Obama, but now we will be tested. To be engaged these days is to be enraged, and I for one am finding it exhausting...and it's just day four!
ReplyDeleteYes, I guess we were spoiled, but by what is right! I agree, hard to keep up with all that's going on, even today! Thanks, Tara.
DeleteDon't stop, Linda. That's my motto too. We must look forward and move ahead. Your influence in your grandgirls' lives is so important.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too, but am concerned about so many changes they don't even know about. I certainly will fight for them. Thanks!
DeleteYou truly are a wonderful role model to your grandgirls. They will be sure to follow your strong example.
ReplyDeleteI am following in the footsteps of my own wonderful grandmothers. Thank goodness for them! Thank you.
DeleteYou are doing all the right things, both big and little, to make a big difference! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I just read your post, and know you have more to consider with your class. Best wishes for them, too.
DeleteI know you read my post today. I always told my girls they were kind first, smart second, and then cute. so far, they're doing okay in this crazy world. I love reading your reflections, Linda!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear, so important, at least to me, Melanie.I've never liked the emphasis on "cute" for young girls, wish everyone would understand the harmful expectations it places on them.
DeleteWonderful post, Linda. Every day (sometimes every hour) there is a new outrage and it truly is exhausting. Part of the challenge will be to stay informed while retaining sanity and peace of mind. I loved hearing about you and your granddaughters; you are such a good role model and they will grow up to be strong, smart, productive, kind, beautiful women who make a difference in the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jama. It's so important to me to help them, and others grow kind and wise as "humans" in our world.
DeleteThese next few years will be a challenge, that's for sure. I couldn't march either since I took kids to speech contest that day. It's so important to empower all of our kids with confidence and encourage them to think and speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally Deb, and your time with those speech kids is priceless, for them and for you!
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