Sunday, January 01, 2017

Post #2

"Beloved Kansas "
"A compilation of pictures and stories of rural and small town Kansas life."

Don't you think that's a great title for a book?

I do.  It's a project in the dream stage.


January 1, 2017

Really.  It's 2017.  Really.  I haven't written a blog post in eons (I think last September).  Why is that, I ask myself.  I enjoy writing.  I've been told I CAN write.  For some reason, I am not able to find time to do so, or perhaps, in all honesty, I have time, but I either don't think about it, or, I feel I have nothing to share.  I have to get over that nobody reads this blog - however, that doesn't really matter to me.  This remains an amazing way to share thoughts and musings - sort of a public diary if you will.  And that constraint is always in my thoughts - it is public.

2017.  I'm looking at retirement in 4 years - perhaps I'll have a few blog posts done by that time.  Every year is presented as a package wrapped up with a bow, and sometimes, the unwrapping is a joyful occasion and sometimes it isn't.  62 years old, and I'm in the 3rd quarter of life (if I live to be 100).  You work all your life for the opportunity to retire and do what you've always wanted to do and for me, that time is fast approaching.

I love my life.  Watching my adult children live their lives, make their own decisions, and yes, even struggle with life is interesting.  The wisdom of my years tells me that without struggle, life is not deep enough, not felt enough, not rich enough, not LIVED enough.  It is so necessary for my kids to go through this, just like I did, and my parents before me.  It's what happens when your kids are middle and older teenagers.  They MUST encounter obstacles and seemingly insurmountable challenges in order to be able to function as adults in this life - and in fact, I wish I would see even at the elementary level more parents willing to let their kids experience natural consequences of life.  Recently a parent of an elementary student was upset at a "D" grade, stating that their child was unable to do grade level work because of poor organizational skills.  This parent expected the school to come up with plan usually reserved for students with disabilities in order to be able to help the child succeed, and, asked the teacher to change the grade to what the child would have earned would this plan have been in place.  I understand organizational challenges - I have them myself - however, the school is not the parent.  Something tells me that there's a lot of parents who are bailing kids out every single day because consequences are one thing they don't want their child to experience.

And don't get me started on parents who complete their child's homework/projects for them.

Off the soapbox - how did I get started on that of all things.  THIS is why I don't blog.  Too much disorganization in my thinking!  For the odd rare reader who finds this blog, may your 2017 be one of growth for you.  Remember to feed your body, feed your mind, and feed your soul - and feed quality nourishment which will help foster maturity.  Blessings to you.