tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post504186726617647482..comments2023-10-11T04:09:53.564-07:00Comments on materfamilias writes: Beginnings and Ends and Murky Emotions. . . and Hugsmaterfamiliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-59547684472206360242015-04-10T07:42:22.722-07:002015-04-10T07:42:22.722-07:00It is wonderful, the submersive nature of the larg...It is wonderful, the submersive nature of the larger family (my mom and dad had 12 of us, and I continue to wonder retrospectively how they ever managed the grandchildren connections that they did). Wonderful but sometimes pretty intense -- so wonderful that there's not much room for complaining and yet there's some genuine fatigue in there! both physical and emotional and yes, I sometimes wish I could call a Time Out! And then someone up and moves her family to Rome (!) . . . ;-)materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-69905717385123145222015-04-10T03:20:32.953-07:002015-04-10T03:20:32.953-07:00You catch the strange conflicting emotions so well...You catch the strange conflicting emotions so well. Life is overwhelming sometimes and you do long for a bit of time to process things when you are being swept out on the rushing tide. One of the wonderful things about having a large number of children (we have four too) is that when they marry and have children there is a whole wonderful range of chances to be involved in their lives, but sometimes it feels that there is simply not enough time for it all. I wish I could have forty eight hour days with lots of time for sleeping and solitude as well as people!Elizabeth Musgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09473705107636868753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-89221840062797334972015-04-09T11:44:34.650-07:002015-04-09T11:44:34.650-07:00Yes, it's surprising that this kind of conflue...Yes, it's surprising that this kind of confluence should still be surprising. Life has done this before and will do it again and it does balance out somehow although not necessarily in any way I might predict. It's definitely real . . . materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-48735169472595145792015-04-08T09:18:25.920-07:002015-04-08T09:18:25.920-07:00So much here, endings and beginnings all in a swir...So much here, endings and beginnings all in a swirl of too-muchness. Amazing how that happens sometimes, too much and too many layers and not enough time to process, and then the lulls in between, and wishing it could balance out. It does of course, but not in the way we think we would wish it because the very essence of being engulfed in the endings and beginnings brings its own kinds of experience. You are richer for it. And you shall miss holding that girl so close, but treasure your combined new experiences, and somehow it seems you family will make the effort to hold those bonds close.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-66975363820303426272015-04-05T21:47:02.255-07:002015-04-05T21:47:02.255-07:00So much goes better with a hug, right?So much goes better with a hug, right?materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-82861800873968319882015-04-05T21:46:29.134-07:002015-04-05T21:46:29.134-07:00Thanks, Sue.Thanks, Sue.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-62920540747502921792015-04-05T21:46:08.062-07:002015-04-05T21:46:08.062-07:00Yes it is, Ceci, and it's a privilege as well,...Yes it is, Ceci, and it's a privilege as well, I suppose.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-78476469110239810622015-04-05T21:45:30.594-07:002015-04-05T21:45:30.594-07:00Yes, and sometimes the two simply overlap...Yes, and sometimes the two simply overlap...materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-87822466990675207482015-04-05T21:45:03.668-07:002015-04-05T21:45:03.668-07:00It's tough, isn't it? I have no interest i...It's tough, isn't it? I have no interest in hearing myself settle into a negative perspective on change. As much as I might be sure about ill-conceived directions, I know my comments won't bring about any action (nor slow any down). I'm glad I have the option to leave at a relatively positive time...hope you can do that too.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-61431493988676459852015-04-04T16:16:19.847-07:002015-04-04T16:16:19.847-07:00I have to mention that I saw footage on the news o...I have to mention that I saw footage on the news of African American teachers in Atlanta being taken to jail, after conviction and before sentencing, at the order of a very harsh judge. They were convicted of cheating on the awful standardized tests that have taken over American elementary schools. I felt like crying. Melissa Harris-Perry pointed out that only one financial person went to jail after all the banking/investment scandals. Yet they're throwing the book at teachers who certainly felt awful pressure to have their students "perform." I've met dozens of teachers as my sons went through school, and I feel affection, respect, and gratitude toward almost every one (there were a couple of bad ones). It's a shame that teaching is becoming so difficult on all levels. You should know that there's a lot of warm feelings from parents as well as students.Marienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-28120660806127448632015-04-04T15:30:44.583-07:002015-04-04T15:30:44.583-07:00Thank you, K. I truly appreciate the confidence, d...Thank you, K. I truly appreciate the confidence, drawing some of the same validation from it as I did from that hug. Happy Easter!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-10494927592875612382015-04-04T15:28:32.603-07:002015-04-04T15:28:32.603-07:00Thanks, L. We are definitely planning to visit Rom...Thanks, L. We are definitely planning to visit Rome! And I suspect we'll become much more reliant on FaceTime or Skype. Wishing you a glorious Easter with your family!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-38133613416061561922015-04-04T15:25:07.826-07:002015-04-04T15:25:07.826-07:00Indirectly, Marie, you have let him know, or at le...Indirectly, Marie, you have let him know, or at least let those of us who teach know that sometimes we make a difference even when it hasn't been articulated. Thanks for taking the time to do that. It matters.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-8633259906548268352015-04-04T15:23:19.888-07:002015-04-04T15:23:19.888-07:00By which I meant to say that with hat name,I'm...By which I meant to say that with hat name,I'm should have realized the girl might end up in Italy. Just didn't anticipate it would be so soon.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-10180714089782653132015-04-04T15:21:58.050-07:002015-04-04T15:21:58.050-07:00Amis, Lorrie. Yes, Pondside really caught it. It&#...Amis, Lorrie. Yes, Pondside really caught it. It's Life, and it's full and rich and rewarding and challenging. I know you and your family will celebrate a joyful Easter together. It's a spiritual feast that obviously captures all those complexities we speak of here. Rejoice!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-47466802622410897792015-04-04T15:18:33.017-07:002015-04-04T15:18:33.017-07:00It's surprising how intensely we can feel two ...It's surprising how intensely we can feel two seemingly conflicting emotions at once. I was genuinely thrilled, excited, when we heard that my son-in-love had got the job in Rome and I'm really excited about visiting there as often as possible. And sad that the cousins won't be able to get together regularly...materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-90016513091417355732015-04-04T15:15:21.534-07:002015-04-04T15:15:21.534-07:00From one bookworm to another, thank you and Happy ...From one bookworm to another, thank you and Happy Easter! Yours will be glorious in that place that celebrates it so colourfully!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-88974358373375574562015-04-04T15:14:19.286-07:002015-04-04T15:14:19.286-07:00I'm so glad you can see through my muddling to...I'm so glad you can see through my muddling to my understanding that all is rich and wonderful even in its too-muchness. I do wish for some slower immersion, some savouring, time to process. I wish I could turn the dial down just enough that I could figure out how to keep up. But I do revel, and I look forward to learning Rome with loved ones as guides. Every joy to you and your family this Easter--you, too, I know, are experiencing more than you might want to of life's intensity. materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-83710947471481772242015-04-04T13:05:53.664-07:002015-04-04T13:05:53.664-07:00Francesa is a sweetie, too... thanks for the clari...Francesa is a sweetie, too... thanks for the clarification. Don't we wish we could keep all of them, children and grandchildren, nearby? But the world is bigger.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-44053002696382101032015-04-04T08:45:49.391-07:002015-04-04T08:45:49.391-07:00Not Nola. See above. Running now but had to clarif...Not Nola. See above. Running now but had to clarify quickly...materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-30467121271116241782015-04-04T08:44:57.772-07:002015-04-04T08:44:57.772-07:00Not Nola. Francesca...I think her name may have be...Not Nola. Francesca...I think her name may have been a cluematerfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-64985119683395242212015-04-04T06:29:05.616-07:002015-04-04T06:29:05.616-07:00I'm slow on the draw; •Nola• is moving? Well, ...I'm slow on the draw; •Nola• is moving? Well, that requires trips to Rome, with leisurely stays and plenty of pictures. We need that! Despite mourning the end of an era, your retirement is very well-timed. Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-22447281417590605062015-04-04T00:04:45.304-07:002015-04-04T00:04:45.304-07:00So much richness! So much craziness! On the brink ...So much richness! So much craziness! On the brink of new phase, Mater. Enjoy. Hug and be hugged.anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09784336429060492455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-37768696916722019512015-04-03T18:44:11.800-07:002015-04-03T18:44:11.800-07:00So much change swirling around you! You capture th...So much change swirling around you! You capture those feelings of relief and sadness and might-have-beens so beautifully. Susan Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16005855250089328310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-63798282308286545512015-04-03T18:36:14.147-07:002015-04-03T18:36:14.147-07:00Retired people can go on long long visits to Rome,...Retired people can go on long long visits to Rome, but it won't be the same, and the same was pretty darn good. Oh dear, change is so hard!<br /><br />CeciAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com