My mother crafted constantly from the time I can remember. She took sewing classes and learned to sew our clothes. She led my 4-H group and inspired us to create, taking us to workshops, and camp. She even led us to sing at the State Fair. As I got older she taught the craft classes at bible school and volunteered at the local hospital making floral arrangements for the gift shop, designed florals for many weddings, and even prom including my own prom and eventually my wedding. As I grew up I continued the passion to create. Over the years and as fads changed, there were the straw wreathes, cross stitch, plastic grid (who could forget that!), floral design, cake decorating, sewing, etc. I had taken a break for several years not knowing what to do or where to go next. Life always seemed too busy to take the time to start any projects. My older kids are out the house and missed out on the “fun stuff”. I’ve decided it’s important to share those moments with the kids. They were not only learning experiences, they were quality time with mom, and not until recently did I understand that. Our latest passion? We’re painting! I’m trying my hand at painting glasses with paint markers. My lil monkey picked out a “Cars” paint set and my youngest daughter purchased several instructional books on how to draw along with numerous pencils and a portfolio. Thank goodness she’s got a job to support the fire I lit! My point? Life’s too short and there are no guarantees. Take time to paint, spend time with your children. Do you have to paint? Heck no! We go once a month to the theater. It’s about spending time with your children. Trust me, there’s no such thing a perfect parent but I feel much better after quality time, making messes, and listening to their giggles. We're not just painting pictures and drawing horses, we're making memories. Trust me! Take time to paint!
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Culottes, coined the "new must have for spring". I think NOT! Culottes, the look of a skirt but really a loose flowing knee length pair of shorts. I believe my mother tried to get me to wear them in the 70's. I've been scarred for life.
Whose fabulous idea was it to take those out of the closet? Ya, ya… I get it, originally a way for women to raise the length on their skirts. Throwing caution to the wind, "Let's wear pants, but make them look like skirts". Were they the original rebels? Designed originally for the "active" woman and could yet retain the look of femininity. Today? I'm not sure what would prompt you to wear them. I don't think you'll see a return of the culottes in this area, not anytime soon anyway. You love the culottes then I say outstanding, I’m not judging. Wear them with pride! As for me and my house, we will wear the Capri! I read an article on Huffington Post addressing a movement in America on “co-parenting”. Co-parenting was an answer or alternative to divorce, remaining married yet taking all the romance and physical contact out of the relationship for the benefit of raising their kids together.
I'm not sure I agree with this but I'm sure it may work for some couples. Kudos if it does! In some cases of abuse, alcoholism, etc. there's only one alternative as far as I'm concerned. You would not want to raise your children in an unfavorable situation. I'm twice divorced and I believe my children are robbed of having two loving caring parents in the home but if given a "re-do" I would have made the same decision today. Today, although my income is significantly lower than if I were married, I'm ok with me. Divorce either time was both devastating emotionally and financially. My second divorce I was consumed with guilt at failing for a second time but knew it was the right decision for myself and my children. I risked losing my older kids if I didn't. I later made poor choices and risked losing all of them but that's another blog! Have I grown? I say yes, of course I have. I work full time, I'm putting myself through college, and I have 5 fabulous kids that work hard to succeed at whatever they set their minds to. I have a "significant other". (I'm too old for a boyfriend!) We have been together for 12+ years and have 8 kids between us. The youngest is "ours" but we choose to remain in 2 houses. I guess we “co-parent” in a sense but we remain in a relationship in two separate homes. It's challenging to say the least, pisses me off on numerous occasions because I feel like I do most of the yucky stuff, but I'm not sure I'm willing to change it at this point. Have I thought of calling it quits? You bet! I don't like our arrangement but I love him. Do we fight? Ummm...sure! If you want to call it that. We don't yell, we don't cuss, and we don't call each other names. We get pissed, I speak my mind, and we go to our corners… or separate homes. (I have no problem giving my opinion. Ok and sometimes I cuss, but not usually at him.) We come back and start all over again. It seems to work for us and most people don't understand. My friends don't get it, "he should have proposed by now!" and definitely...not MY church! I'm not allowed to take communion because I'm an unmarried mother and I continue to "date" the same man and have...Ohhh that's another blog! My point? If co-parenting works for you then go for it. Difficult? Most definitely yes! Is divorce the answer? Yes, sometimes although I don't promote it. I'm NOT the divorce whisperer. I say single parenting is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Throw in a special needs kid and it's over the top! BUT I'd do it again...in MY situation. If you can work it out, do it! |
Cynthia"Don't put an age limit Archives
July 2018
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