Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Is It Possible?

Another rambling post today.  Sometimes, this girl just needs to write.

There are a lot of things I know.
I know how to cook, clean, supervise employees, drive a car, do
some little crafty things, love, be a care taker, trim trees,
use my Dear, John Deere, be a Mom, be a friend, take care of my pets,
feed the birds, be polite, have pretty good morals,
show respect and be honest.

I know what I'm not good at.  Being a leader,
I have no great musical or artistic talents,
I will be single for the rest of my life,
I can't afford a camera with a zoom lens,
my penmanship is terrible, I wear a mask too often,
I'm too emotional and I can't sing.

I get angry.
There, I said it.
What makes me angry?
People that treat others poorly.  Teen suicides.
Schools.  People in America that don't vote.
Parents that won't advocate for their kids.
A school district in a battle for power and control, control, control.
People that don't take action.

If you had known me before I was a parent,
you would have known someone completely different.
But through my children, I apparently found my passion(s).
I couldn't sit silently by when children suffered.
So I began to speak up. Just a little here and there.
And then a lot.
A very few respect that about me.
Many others wish I'd shut up.
And you know what?
That's OK with me.

I was reminded why earlier this week when a
 dear friend sent me this saying she heard in church on
Sunday.

"If you ever think you are too small to make a difference...
think about being in a tent with a mosquito."

So, whatever your passion is,
always remember, you CAN make a difference.

28 comments:

Melodie said...

I think we all become different people once we have kids. How can you not? Thinking about it ..I think the people who don't change are often the ones who are bad parents,the ones who don't give up the "me' mentality.

Unknown said...

I’m so sorry that you won’t be able to leave me a comment on my blog. I’ll just have to make sure I pop over to your blog frequently so I don’t miss anything.

Cindy

Furry Bottoms said...

We all have our good points and bad points.

I do understand kinda what your saying... children do change you. I don't have a child of my own, but I have 14 nieces and nephews. I have grown so much, learned so much, changed so much from them. You become overprotective in some areas, you learn new things in another area... I think overall you become more aware of how individual people are. A person is a world in itself. Full of their own joys, sadness, quirkys, all sorts of things... all contained in the body they have. And we don't always find ourselves compatible in the same galaxy as some others. And thats perfectly OK.

Donna said...

I'm so glad you liken yourself like a mosquito! We all need you (and me.) I had the same things happen when my children were young and in school, and it is much worse today. And, all of our circumstances and children are different. I believe all children should receive the best education available.

One voice alone can be drowned out, two better, three even better! You keep going, Jill - others will join - until then ... be pesky ... there's nothing more irritating than that bzzzzz around your ear (and the occasional sting!)

Blessings,
Donna

TexWisGirl said...

i saw that quote on a blog last week and really liked it, too. :)

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

Oh Jill. I love it. I love everything you wrote and the quote on the bottom is great. I love that. It is true though.
I believe in speaking up and speaking your mind, even if it hurts that person, especially family. I don't like hurting peoples feelings but there is always a nice way of saying things.
TFS.

EG CameraGirl said...

I like people who stand up for what they believe in, Jill. Good for you!

Red Rose Alley said...

Thank you for following Red Rose Alley. Some of these things get me frustrated and sad too. I guess our blog is a way to express how we're feeling, right? I think it only takes one voice to speak out. Have a good week, and I am following you too.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Anonymous said...

Oh - yes, what a reminder of how little things CAN make a difference.
Thanks, Jill. Sending special wishes for a wonderful day!

Dianna

Paula said...

This is a wonderful entry. Your children are so lucky to have someone who cares enough to speak their mind.

Anonymous said...

You have wonderful qualities, Jill!

That is a great quote...

and I LOVE your owl blog header!!!
Just lovely!

Jenny Woolf said...

that's a great motto, Jill. Yes, the ones we love can bring out a lot of good stuff in us.

Rohrerbot said...

You never know when the tides may turn. Things constantly surprise us.....sometimes you think you'll be single forever and then BAM!!! things change. And that's what is fun and challenging about living....you never know what will happen:)

Donna said...

You Must Vote and Stand UP an be counted!
I SO agree Jill!!
hughugs

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Love that quote! Great post.

Blessed Serendipity said...

We all make a difference. Knowing this is what keeps me motivated. You are beautiful Jill. Thanks for sharing a piece of your heart today.

xo,
Danielle

Teresa said...

Great post! You truly make a difference and in more ways they you know, my very artistic, stylish, funny, brave, loyal, intelligent, beautiful friend!

Lois Christensen said...

Very true! Love the quote. Did you by any chance read my post from Monday? Your voice would be great for that cause!

My Mind's Eye said...

WELL SAID Jill!!
I'll certainly think about being in a tent with a mosquito next time I need a confidence boost. That certainly puts things into perspective.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Dawnll said...

Beautifully written sweetie.
I think if you are not an advocate for your children, your beliefs, your strong ideas...you are not a true person.
I am VERY vocal, love to lead, and always speak up even when I shouldn't.
But I go to bed at night knowing I have done the best I can and my word is golden.
Your definitely my kind of person.
Hugs sweetie

Busy Bee Suz said...

I LOVE that quote!
I think you are passionate and it is great to voice your opinion when you are passionate about something....and our kids are the perfect thing to be passionate about!
Ok, can I say passionate again? Nah.
Take care,
Suz

Anonymous said...

Hi Jill, I loved this post and the quote in the end. I had never heard it before. You have many great quailities ^_^ and it's good to speak your opinion every now and again. Have a lovely day!

Eva

Ed Pilolla said...

this post has an underdog quality i love.

Saun said...

You go girl :)

Lynne said...

A good friend of mine once said, "some things you know and some things you don't". Simple . . . Succinct. You know who you are! I am cheering!

Great post my dear . . .

Chatty Crone said...

I love when people speak their opinion because that is the way we will get to know each other better. I like that quote too Jill. sandie

Susan said...

I love that saying, I've seen as "if you think you are to small to make a difference, then you haven't been in bed with a mosquito". And isn't it the truth. A mosquito can drive you absolutely insane! Keep speaking up. No one will defend your kids except you! You go girl!!!!!!!

ღ Jans Life According To Milo ღ said...

Well said! : )..