You could be the next Oprah. You go girl!!!!!

Why are mothers so brutal and insecure, though? Any thoughts on that?

Has feminism made us feel like we should/could be/do more? Does our higher proportion of education make us feel bad for not using it to it's maximum potential? Did our moms feel like this? Did their moms?

It's not as simple as saying feminism made us feel we should do more. I don't think it's fair to put it on our mothers either.

I want to do more- for Franklin, for me, for D. I want to do more not because I have an education but because I want to feel differently about the world I live in; I want to change it for the better, not just inhabit it. Some will stop at raising a responsible child. That's fine. I am me and the rest of the world is the rest of the world. I wish the rest of the world felt a bit more toward collective action, but I can't make anyone do anything.

Mothers are brutal and insecure because people are brutal and insecure. Mothers are sensitive too though - because no one is telling us we are doing a good job, there are no raises or performance evaluations. It's about figuring it out for yourself and growing up. Some people can't seem to grow up.

*clapping* Go ada!

First, i think you're doing an excellent job. I think you're an excellent mother who does more with her son than most people do, working or not.

Second, i think it's easy as a mother to get caught up in the world of your children and forget about the parts of you that came before. The education, the questioning of everything, the fight. It's easy to "just" be a mom (i say that knowing that this mom thing is brutal and hard and tough and wonderful). Raising responsible children is a noble act. So, is being an active and responsible woman, partner, mother, worker.

Great painting Frank! Your Mommy and Daddy are pretty good at that too. Don't worry about feeling so abandoned little guy one day it will be your turn and you can ignore them too. Are you eating enough sweetie? You look so frail! Have to go now try to hang on till I see you next. I'll bring pedilite and digestable cookies. We can hide some more to keep you going for a while. Stay strong little man.

Dude, I didn't mean to imply that they are the only two possibilites! I just mean to throw out (question) a couple of possible ideas, my brain (and articulation) have been really sluggish lately so I didnt' really write what I was trying to say.

I just wonder where it all stems from is all -if it's a universal Mom thing (did our moms and their moms feel it, etc) then it just Is what it Is and all we can do is try to cope/learn/grow/share on a one-on-one basis. If it's a cultural, social or modern issue, then maybe things can change.

Personally, I think so many 'issues' seem to stem from intolerance. People are so concerned with comparing and judging and determining what's best and it's never just about themselves (the good kind). 'They' can't wrap 'Their' heads around the idea that what's best for me and my family isn't the best for you and yours and somehow it all turns into negative energy that isn't helping anyone. It permeates religion, lifestyle, families, education, etc...

Chair, I think you've really hit on a big issue, that it may be a cultural phenomenon. I find people more centred on the individual in North America and there is very little cooperation as a group - for mothers, for organizations, for farming, for everything.

It's that fallacy that "if you work hard enough, you will succeed" when what it should be is, "if you work hard enough TOGETHER, WE will succeed".

You know?

Ada As we hasve always told you or tried to teach you, you have only one person to compete with and one person to satisty- that is yourself and when that is satisfied then all the rest will fall into place as there will be peace and tranquility in the universe.(too much coffee today already- for the universe part -the former part is true. ) AND YOUR DAD AND I HAVE MANY TIMES TOLD BOTH YOU AND D. WHAT WONDERFUL PARENTS YOU ARE AND HOW WE ADMIRE YOU BOTH FOR HOW YOU BOTH ARE RAISING OUR ONE AND ONLY GRANDSON.

Ah shit, now I'm in trouble....

(Thanks, Mom)

Just read "posted by mom". I'm with you, mom, 100%

There are a LOT of elements to the North American need to suceed that I find I'm disagreeing with more and more as I 'grow up' and read and learn and explore community and, despite thoughts that I'd never get into it, philosophy.

It's nice to know your parents think you're doing a good job -especially when you can feel confident that THEY did a good job. You may claim to be all sorts of spastic things, and maybe you are from time to time, but I think you're one of the coolest, most well adjusted women I know.

Which is a part of why I practice my voodoo to ensure Franklin marries Theya.

thanks Chair.
After raising 5 children (some of which read this blog) and having made millions of mistakes raising 5 children i have learned thet the best gift you can give your children or child is to show and truly love and respect your partner . Always tell your child how much you love them in the good and bad times. It's not them you dont'love but sometomes what they are doing. No is not always a negative word sometimes it is a safety word or a maturing word. and when they get older it may even be a a way for them to get out of a situation they have no other way out of.
We love all 3 of you so much. We love all our children equality. Love has a way of growing without weakening it is a wonderful emotion not to be taken for granted. I WILL NOW GET OUT OF YOUR BLOG.

Mrs.Saab you I've always found you so quiet. Man I wish you'd talk more arround me. You are very wise and say things so well. Ada you picked a good mentor.