I woke up today a little groggy, and our internet homepage is Yahoo. The news headline said, 'Two great icons lost'.
I have some kind of priorities because my first thought was of iconography.
I'm also facing some bitterness from a few folks because I have no feelings over these "horrific and startling" celebrity deaths. I'm neither here nor there on the subject. I didn't follow their lives, didn't watch their movies much or listen to their music. Anyone titled King of Pop who looks like a woman is certainly not going to be played in my household. Fans, forgive me. The more years I can boast the more of a snob I'm becoming. Seems to me stuff like this gets more front page status in American than anything else does. Now there's something to be depressed about.
26 June 2009
23 June 2009
Intelligence.
I really don't know what it means to be an intelligent person. One day I think it means this or that, the next I haven't the faintest idea. I don't even think it matters much if you are or aren't.
Is an intelligent person well-read, book smart, has traveled, knows-so-and-so (who knows-so-and-so), has gone to college, knows good beer and wine, etc, or is an intelligent person he or she who knows people, hasn't read much but has so much experience with actual life living that book snob's repertoire pales in comparison, has dirt-worn sun-worn everything, drinks beer and cheap beer, and doesn't give a flippin' hoot about "Hollywood"?
I am most endeared to people who are hard working, in whatever fashion. It's the weathered old man on the side of the road selling tomatoes, who knows dark, black muck Ohio farming, fly fishing, breaking horses, raising barns, has milked his share of livestock, can drive a nail straight in one hit, knows what language the sky talks when it's about to storm... it's that intelligence that I can most understand. My great grandfather was that type of man, and he was a great man. He died when I was eleven, but his impression upon my life was strong and lasting. I am still drawn to people that have lived close to the earth. It's the sort of thing you know you know, it's in your bones and in your breath. It's not intelligence in the sense that it is something that automatically makes you smart or knowledgable. But it's real. There's a difference between working the earth and living on it.
There's another facet of hard worker, and that is the sort of person that does the best with what they have. Maybe they didn't finish high school, or they dropped out of college. Public education is not the save all. Gosh, that's hit me hard. I thought you went to college and grew up and got smarter all in one go. I thought those with a college education were gonna go out and be great people. Intelligent people, if you will. There's another kind of intelligence, the kind that comes from tough experience and spoiled fantasies. The kind of smarts that keep what matters close and learn to pick and choose just like that old man whose callused hand knows the feel of a ripe tomato without looking. When a person looks at the world and understands good and evil, through whatever glasses they look, and resolves to work for good and against evil, they're intelligent in my book. Even if it's just I did my duty or I raised my kids up or I stood up for what is right. If they choose the Church over the world, one better.
Then we have the people who go to college, are smart, coast through. They have money, affluence, nice everything. They don't have to work too hard to get anything. Their parents were great. Still are. Their families are old and held together by dollars. I'm not saying this type is always stuck up and spoiled, but they can't understand the hard earned man's intelligence just as he can't understand theirs.
I think society is much to blame. There are stereotypes and rank systems that I cannot begin to detangle or explain. I just wish there was a happy medium. Sounds like some can't we just get along and love eachother hippie BS, doesn't it? Not exactly what I mean.
I do not consider myself an intelligent person. I am gaining knowledge in a lot of areas, but I don't desire to describe or credit myself as "smart". If anything, I'm stupid. I don't know television characters of shows. I haven't finished college. I grew up poor and unchurched. But I can mesh pretty well with people that aren't like me.
It sounds assinine and arrogant, but I think I know life pretty well. I understand it. I'd rather I understood than that I was polished and presentable. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me.
A sinner!
Is an intelligent person well-read, book smart, has traveled, knows-so-and-so (who knows-so-and-so), has gone to college, knows good beer and wine, etc, or is an intelligent person he or she who knows people, hasn't read much but has so much experience with actual life living that book snob's repertoire pales in comparison, has dirt-worn sun-worn everything, drinks beer and cheap beer, and doesn't give a flippin' hoot about "Hollywood"?
I am most endeared to people who are hard working, in whatever fashion. It's the weathered old man on the side of the road selling tomatoes, who knows dark, black muck Ohio farming, fly fishing, breaking horses, raising barns, has milked his share of livestock, can drive a nail straight in one hit, knows what language the sky talks when it's about to storm... it's that intelligence that I can most understand. My great grandfather was that type of man, and he was a great man. He died when I was eleven, but his impression upon my life was strong and lasting. I am still drawn to people that have lived close to the earth. It's the sort of thing you know you know, it's in your bones and in your breath. It's not intelligence in the sense that it is something that automatically makes you smart or knowledgable. But it's real. There's a difference between working the earth and living on it.
There's another facet of hard worker, and that is the sort of person that does the best with what they have. Maybe they didn't finish high school, or they dropped out of college. Public education is not the save all. Gosh, that's hit me hard. I thought you went to college and grew up and got smarter all in one go. I thought those with a college education were gonna go out and be great people. Intelligent people, if you will. There's another kind of intelligence, the kind that comes from tough experience and spoiled fantasies. The kind of smarts that keep what matters close and learn to pick and choose just like that old man whose callused hand knows the feel of a ripe tomato without looking. When a person looks at the world and understands good and evil, through whatever glasses they look, and resolves to work for good and against evil, they're intelligent in my book. Even if it's just I did my duty or I raised my kids up or I stood up for what is right. If they choose the Church over the world, one better.
Then we have the people who go to college, are smart, coast through. They have money, affluence, nice everything. They don't have to work too hard to get anything. Their parents were great. Still are. Their families are old and held together by dollars. I'm not saying this type is always stuck up and spoiled, but they can't understand the hard earned man's intelligence just as he can't understand theirs.
I think society is much to blame. There are stereotypes and rank systems that I cannot begin to detangle or explain. I just wish there was a happy medium. Sounds like some can't we just get along and love eachother hippie BS, doesn't it? Not exactly what I mean.
I do not consider myself an intelligent person. I am gaining knowledge in a lot of areas, but I don't desire to describe or credit myself as "smart". If anything, I'm stupid. I don't know television characters of shows. I haven't finished college. I grew up poor and unchurched. But I can mesh pretty well with people that aren't like me.
It sounds assinine and arrogant, but I think I know life pretty well. I understand it. I'd rather I understood than that I was polished and presentable. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me.
A sinner!
20 June 2009
Forte
A few minutes ago, I was sitting on my son's big wheel bike and thinking about life.
Let me explain.
He insisted I "try ride, Mama!" after I commented how fun that looks and how I wished I had a fast bike like that. He's just gotten the hang of pedaling and darts around at alarming speeds. I wasn't trying to say I was jealous and wanted a turn, but he's two and that's all he heard. I am way too big for his bike, and really had no desire to ride it, but he was trying to share and looked so pleased to be able to share with Mama.
So that's how I ended up on the bike. He pushed me around a few times then exclaimed, "OK, me turn!" When he actually starts using correct grammar I am really going to miss the baby talk. It's the only thing left of his babyhood. Sometimes I don't mind when he scrapes up a knee because that's the only time he wants me to hold him.
I was thinking that it was the best thing I did all day, accepting this offer to ride my son's bike. It is not the everyday tasks that make me happy at home, it is these moments with my kids. I know it's silly as hell, but I really enjoyed being pushed around the garage on the big wheel. Who cares if I looked completely ridiculous. Who cares if he tells Daddy later and I get laughed at. I know my husband would have ridden the bike, too.
Lately, considering going back to school and possibly working in a few years, I've really been looking at my children and I can't imagine not being with them constantly like I am. Sometimes it's frustrating to no end, yes, but they're also the best times I can recollect.
No, I'm not posting a picture of me on the big wheel. Sorry.
Let me explain.
He insisted I "try ride, Mama!" after I commented how fun that looks and how I wished I had a fast bike like that. He's just gotten the hang of pedaling and darts around at alarming speeds. I wasn't trying to say I was jealous and wanted a turn, but he's two and that's all he heard. I am way too big for his bike, and really had no desire to ride it, but he was trying to share and looked so pleased to be able to share with Mama.
So that's how I ended up on the bike. He pushed me around a few times then exclaimed, "OK, me turn!" When he actually starts using correct grammar I am really going to miss the baby talk. It's the only thing left of his babyhood. Sometimes I don't mind when he scrapes up a knee because that's the only time he wants me to hold him.
I was thinking that it was the best thing I did all day, accepting this offer to ride my son's bike. It is not the everyday tasks that make me happy at home, it is these moments with my kids. I know it's silly as hell, but I really enjoyed being pushed around the garage on the big wheel. Who cares if I looked completely ridiculous. Who cares if he tells Daddy later and I get laughed at. I know my husband would have ridden the bike, too.
Lately, considering going back to school and possibly working in a few years, I've really been looking at my children and I can't imagine not being with them constantly like I am. Sometimes it's frustrating to no end, yes, but they're also the best times I can recollect.
No, I'm not posting a picture of me on the big wheel. Sorry.
18 June 2009
Freebirthing
A show on DHC caught my eye as I was walking the baby to sleep. It's called "Freebirthing", and the description of the show is "Women opting to have babies without drugs, midwives, or medical support". It's interesting to me, even though I haven't given birth at home.
Home birth is great. I very much agree with it, and think it's not a bad thing at all. I have two beautiful nieces that were birthed at home, and it was a rewarding and wonderful experience for their mum. One came before the midwife even arrived. However, there were no complications, the babies were full term, etc. I don't think that home birth is for everyone...especially those whose babies will require more care. Also, women with problematic pregnancies shouldn't risk it, in my humble opinion.
The show on DHC is toting a party line, all about having unassisted childbirth (no midwife even), and the most often repeated line is that they're doing this to have pain-free, laughter filled childbirth. Several of the women they spotlighted are completely opting out of any medical "intervention". That not only means no drugs or anything during childbirth, but also no prenatal care. I really think the latter part is insane. Why wouldn't you have prenatal care when it's available to you? Women should never have to have any test done against their will, but an experienced medical professional examining you, and your baby...I just think it's something we have and should take advantage of. Not that it's going to make the pregnancy perfect, but why not? And having a midwife is something I think is essential as well. For first babies, at least!
The thing I do agree with is the natural birth. And women need to know the facts, instead of just following the advice of their doctor without any thoughts of their own. My first child was born in a hospital. I was terrified, told all sorts of things that were very unhelpful by the staff, and the birth was long and hard. My first birth was induced a week early with Pitocin. After having my second child, I'd never induce again unless absolutely necessary. Having my second only two hours after arriving at the hospital, without drugs or any intervention, I know it's better. I am sure I would have been fine staying at home, because my pregnancy was problem-free, and my baby was full term and healthy. I was told all kinds of things with my first pregnancy that I just politely did not listen to with my second. With my first I was told my baby was too big, and I was too small. I was told I would probably need a c-section. It seems to be a disclaimer in the hospital and with doctors not used to natural birth. My husband and I chose to have our child in the hospital in case something went wrong. But we insisted on our wishes being of foremost importance. We chose a hospital that advocated natural childbirth.
A woman on the show gave labor at home, and one thing she said afterwards stands out, "My labor was pain-free. Really, because I was comfortable, it was quiet, there was no one I didn't know coming in. I knew what was going to happen, and I did not work against it. Pain comes when you work against what your body is supposed to be doing. Women scream and thrash during labor when they are scared. If you know what each stage of labor is like, and what it involves, you understand how this is all OK, it's all something normal and natural. It is not pain you experience then, it is childbirth. And yes, I was laughing. Bringing forth a life is a reason to laugh."
Of course there is all this natural talk but then the commercials between are all about the benefits of formula. There are too many mixed messages in this world.
Home birth is great. I very much agree with it, and think it's not a bad thing at all. I have two beautiful nieces that were birthed at home, and it was a rewarding and wonderful experience for their mum. One came before the midwife even arrived. However, there were no complications, the babies were full term, etc. I don't think that home birth is for everyone...especially those whose babies will require more care. Also, women with problematic pregnancies shouldn't risk it, in my humble opinion.
The show on DHC is toting a party line, all about having unassisted childbirth (no midwife even), and the most often repeated line is that they're doing this to have pain-free, laughter filled childbirth. Several of the women they spotlighted are completely opting out of any medical "intervention". That not only means no drugs or anything during childbirth, but also no prenatal care. I really think the latter part is insane. Why wouldn't you have prenatal care when it's available to you? Women should never have to have any test done against their will, but an experienced medical professional examining you, and your baby...I just think it's something we have and should take advantage of. Not that it's going to make the pregnancy perfect, but why not? And having a midwife is something I think is essential as well. For first babies, at least!
The thing I do agree with is the natural birth. And women need to know the facts, instead of just following the advice of their doctor without any thoughts of their own. My first child was born in a hospital. I was terrified, told all sorts of things that were very unhelpful by the staff, and the birth was long and hard. My first birth was induced a week early with Pitocin. After having my second child, I'd never induce again unless absolutely necessary. Having my second only two hours after arriving at the hospital, without drugs or any intervention, I know it's better. I am sure I would have been fine staying at home, because my pregnancy was problem-free, and my baby was full term and healthy. I was told all kinds of things with my first pregnancy that I just politely did not listen to with my second. With my first I was told my baby was too big, and I was too small. I was told I would probably need a c-section. It seems to be a disclaimer in the hospital and with doctors not used to natural birth. My husband and I chose to have our child in the hospital in case something went wrong. But we insisted on our wishes being of foremost importance. We chose a hospital that advocated natural childbirth.
A woman on the show gave labor at home, and one thing she said afterwards stands out, "My labor was pain-free. Really, because I was comfortable, it was quiet, there was no one I didn't know coming in. I knew what was going to happen, and I did not work against it. Pain comes when you work against what your body is supposed to be doing. Women scream and thrash during labor when they are scared. If you know what each stage of labor is like, and what it involves, you understand how this is all OK, it's all something normal and natural. It is not pain you experience then, it is childbirth. And yes, I was laughing. Bringing forth a life is a reason to laugh."
Of course there is all this natural talk but then the commercials between are all about the benefits of formula. There are too many mixed messages in this world.
12 June 2009
Worth taking a gander
Came across this blog: http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/random-thoughts-about-the-internet-what-im-doing-with-it-what-its-doing-to-us-how-its-changed-me-etc
Very interesting. Social networking is terrifying. But it's not like we know our neighbors or the neighborhood kids play together or anything like that nowadays, anyway. I'm not quite sure if social networking is one step forward or one step back.
Very interesting. Social networking is terrifying. But it's not like we know our neighbors or the neighborhood kids play together or anything like that nowadays, anyway. I'm not quite sure if social networking is one step forward or one step back.
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