tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post8982409447404548664..comments2023-10-11T04:09:53.564-07:00Comments on materfamilias writes: Monday Morning, Finding Traction. . . materfamiliashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-55100462529236566912016-06-30T11:33:47.280-07:002016-06-30T11:33:47.280-07:00Responding to blog comments can be as exhausting a...Responding to blog comments can be as exhausting and thought provoking as blogging. Please don't stop, and I say this even as I am currently erratic at both. <br /><br />How much fun, to share Finding Dory with a 7-year old. I find my movie dates with my grandson are incredible blessings, and am a little sad that I missed this one as he will have already seen it by the time I get home. Have a lovely week.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-34602997222903246052016-06-29T16:12:17.272-07:002016-06-29T16:12:17.272-07:00I think I must have missed the deleted post entire...I think I must have missed the deleted post entirely (I have been behind on blog reading for the past couple of weeks between trip, finals week grading, fundraising, and a day trip), but I hope that you don't decide to stop blogging!! Your posts are always such a lovely addition to my reader - even when you post about heavier things I always enjoy getting your perspective and your writing. <br /><br />That TransAm Totem is pretty wild. I hope you might share more about your sketching meet up if and when you feel ready and willing to do so. <br /><br />Hugs,<br />RayRaquelitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13138113830990586689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-2824826422044024472016-06-29T16:05:42.948-07:002016-06-29T16:05:42.948-07:00Thanks, Rosie, I don't mean to have you worry ...Thanks, Rosie, I don't mean to have you worry about me. I tend to talk/write my feelings through fairly openly -- I think what would be really worrisome would be if the blog really did go silent for weeks. As it is, I seem to rally quickly, don't I? Much of that, I'm sure, is because of the kind thoughtfulness of readers like yourself. And I do have many balancing good things in my daily life -- so that, yes, my week is already going very well, and I hope yours is too.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-23975500786535226142016-06-29T16:00:42.760-07:002016-06-29T16:00:42.760-07:00;-) a conundrum, it is! ;-) a conundrum, it is! materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-90863556587252825362016-06-29T13:35:50.124-07:002016-06-29T13:35:50.124-07:00as a blogger there is a real part of me, which is ...as a blogger there is a real part of me, which is virtual.<br />Or is it a virtual part, which is real?Diana Studerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12286066768376135880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-48793505413548793002016-06-29T00:40:04.946-07:002016-06-29T00:40:04.946-07:00Hi Frances ..I feel there's little I can add h...Hi Frances ..I feel there's little I can add here, except to echo all the positive and supportive comments and to say that even one unkind comment would upset me if I were you. I think, without a doubt you encourage discussion and not everyone will necessarily have the same point of view. I was really concerned for you after the last post and wanted to add that comments at least should be respectful and kind and not snide or sarcastic! I even discussed comments with my husband, something I rarely do. Your replies were "spot on" you articulated your feelings very clearly, considering how disheartened you must have felt.<br />Please don't stop blogging ...but do take breaks when you need to ...don't feel pressured to write as regularly.<br />Take care, hope your weeks going well<br />RosieRosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15718521437964866609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-32846286162183379282016-06-28T20:01:43.749-07:002016-06-28T20:01:43.749-07:00My sister's adult child posted on Facebook the...My sister's adult child posted on Facebook the other day that "as a true Millennial" they found the virtual world as meaningful and relevant as the real, material world. I'm not sure what to make of that -- jarring, to say the least. Fascinating, as you say, in a horrifying sort of way!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-19466184632496303572016-06-28T20:00:06.748-07:002016-06-28T20:00:06.748-07:00I think that making a comment can be as difficult ...I think that making a comment can be as difficult in its way as writing a blogpost, because it's tougher to set the context, and there's a different awareness of length of posting. Anything that we write in such an exposed, public space can feel unsettling -- we long to be understood, but there are no guarantees that will happen. . .so I do appreciate any comments here (hence the difficulty I had with choosing to delete one, and with not being able to respond positively to others on the last post).<br />Yikes! That hand-off sounds very stressful. I suspect though, if it's any consolation at all, that none of this week's sense of responsibility will be with you in a year. Or even six months. Or three . . . ;-)materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-5839448431255366802016-06-28T19:55:47.235-07:002016-06-28T19:55:47.235-07:00Thanks for taking the time to reassure me, Eleonor...Thanks for taking the time to reassure me, Eleonore. Much appreciated. And yes, I'm trying to sketch five minutes daily, although I have to admit that I missed today. Plans for tomorrow morning though . . . It's surprising what can be done in five minutes a day.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-34265266495741889052016-06-28T19:54:33.946-07:002016-06-28T19:54:33.946-07:00Thanks, Beth. I really appreciate this kind though...Thanks, Beth. I really appreciate this kind thoughtfulness. Perhaps the situation in Britain might be a wake-up call ahead of your big election this fall . . Imagine if kindness, thoughtfullness, and discernment could win the day!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-50437475717479221742016-06-28T19:50:34.979-07:002016-06-28T19:50:34.979-07:00Thanks for the understanding and the encouragement...Thanks for the understanding and the encouragement, Sue. Really, if I hadn't already been feeling demoralised, I could probably have fielded comments better, but as it was. <br />And that Trudeau! yes! almost as touchy an issue as the Brexit divide -- especially if you're talking to an Albertan. (but I think a 12-year-old's excitement should be forgiven).materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-5745796635103943302016-06-28T18:45:56.339-07:002016-06-28T18:45:56.339-07:00I noticed your comment about this being a "po...I noticed your comment about this being a "post factual universe". A few years ago I read a blog where young women were commenting about whether it mattered if what was posted was true or not. Generally they didn't seem to care, a made up story had as much value as a real situation and they didn't feel the need to mention if it was true or false. Wish I'd kept a link to it, it was fascinating, in a horrifying sort of way. Northmoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597456926736581361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-88272719627055087002016-06-28T18:28:58.308-07:002016-06-28T18:28:58.308-07:00I appreciate the courage and honesty of your blog....I appreciate the courage and honesty of your blog. Even making a comment is hard for me sometimes, especially if I reveal any of my own life. <br /><br />But you asked if I was easing into the week - nothing easy about my life right now, I've only got 7 more days of work, 30 projects and the hand off is not happening smoothly. I feel like one of the competitors in Master Chef Canada when the clock is ticking down and they're trying to plate some really complex dish! The buzzer is going to go off and I will have to walk away even though there's more I want to arrange, to see to the end. Northmoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597456926736581361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-58883284724415565362016-06-28T14:47:36.091-07:002016-06-28T14:47:36.091-07:00Megs, thank you so much for taking the time to say...Megs, thank you so much for taking the time to say this -- I know exactly what you mean about trying to comment meaningfully within what seems a very short shelf life of a blog post. I sometimes feel as if I'm writing on one of those group retirement or birthday or condolence cards where my not-so-eloquent words have to be scribbled for all to see. . . I'm happy just to know you're back here, reading, but when you find time to add to the conversation, you're very welcome.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-85219484837019805722016-06-28T14:45:10.049-07:002016-06-28T14:45:10.049-07:00And Dottoressa, you too, so kind.
I think so many...And Dottoressa, you too, so kind. <br />I think so many were upset by last week's news and things got said that might normally be held back. Not that holding back and staying silent is better, but sometimes we need to wait for calmer, safer spaces to exchange these more contentious views.<br />And you're right -- we're adjusting very quickly to the city and finding much joy. materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-52915861641389721442016-06-28T14:43:06.199-07:002016-06-28T14:43:06.199-07:00Wendy, this is such a lovely thing you've said...Wendy, this is such a lovely thing you've said. Thank you!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-78200620543646360852016-06-28T14:42:32.229-07:002016-06-28T14:42:32.229-07:00Music is very often a guaranteed mood-changer for ...Music is very often a guaranteed mood-changer for me. It's hard to resist being shanghaied by rhythm and melody. What kind of music do you like, and I'll see if I can make some enquiries for you? We're still sorting out a side of city life we haven't been able to indulge much in until now.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-45356740389397250402016-06-28T14:40:22.722-07:002016-06-28T14:40:22.722-07:00Thanks, Diana. I do wish there were more space to ...Thanks, Diana. I do wish there were more space to explore difference though, in a respectful and kindly way. That particular day, though, I just couldn't handle a particular set of views, although I think there's a very good chance they were only a small and skewed representation of a person I would probably find much compatibility with.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-21773660735386608302016-06-28T14:38:08.609-07:002016-06-28T14:38:08.609-07:00You know? Really, there are so many lovely comment...You know? Really, there are so many lovely comments on that post that some readers will wonder what I was fussed about. Just call me super-sensitive! ;-)<br />Life is generally very good -- and even better with Finding Dory !materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-46734775997391383732016-06-28T14:37:06.149-07:002016-06-28T14:37:06.149-07:00Thanks for the kind words and the patience and the...Thanks for the kind words and the patience and the encouragement, Mary. I suppose part of it is just finding a rhythm that works, with so much of my regular schedule not very, well, regular yet. I wish you a good week as wellmaterfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-40396296765551460822016-06-28T14:35:58.618-07:002016-06-28T14:35:58.618-07:00It's the freedom that I want as well, so I'...It's the freedom that I want as well, so I'm trying to think about being more careful re making those commitments. But sidestepping could work also.<br />I was so happy to be included in Sue's post along with you, especially for what she was crediting us. And while I think some people will only stop by to see what we're wearing, I know that the readers I really want are here for something else as well. And I think we pretty much have to be who we are anyway, right? materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-36075896707346893882016-06-28T14:33:25.191-07:002016-06-28T14:33:25.191-07:00Georgia, I'll count on you to keep reminding m...Georgia, I'll count on you to keep reminding me ;-) I did actually think of them this morning. . . <br />Exquisite to have a summer off after having worked through so many of them -- I love that you'll have a week camping out at the Folk Festival!<br />Thanks for saying that about my response to comments. I loved leading class discussions and as tedious as marking could be, I also prided myself on giving thoughtful feedback to essays. I do think I carry some of those skills onto the blog.materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-33315939075397991792016-06-28T13:56:08.967-07:002016-06-28T13:56:08.967-07:00So sorry that the comments to your last post made ...So sorry that the comments to your last post made you feel bad. I sincerely hope mine did not contribute to the feeling. I absolutely agree with Susan, do not stop blogging and do not stop to voice your opinions. They are part of your personality and therefore part of what makes your blog so very special.<br />I understand that you are trying to take five minutes every day to draw a sketch. That seems an excellent idea to me. It is definitely going on my after-retirement list.Eleonorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-6671893787370556522016-06-28T10:56:26.917-07:002016-06-28T10:56:26.917-07:00Hello Frances. Similar to Susan, I read your last...Hello Frances. Similar to Susan, I read your last post, empathized and agreed with you regarding the Brexit results, and focused on your adorable grandbabies blowing bubbles. Then today I read the comments... I do share the concerns you and many other readers raise a out the potential post-factual society and what this vote, a,one wi the current US election cycle, may mean in terms of our future society and world. I also envy your ability to respond uniquely and thoughtfully to each comment. I love sharing your transition journey and look forward to hearing more from you in your own time and in in whatever platform works best for you. Beth in Portlandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904021173466473381.post-48089323143287618822016-06-28T10:02:06.940-07:002016-06-28T10:02:06.940-07:00First off, let me say: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT st...First off, let me say: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT stop blogging. Pretty please. We would all miss your blog so much. <br /><br />I read your last post quickly when I came home from our camping trip a bit early. Stu had a bit of a mishap with a muscle the second day, so after two days of pain we packed it in. Anyhoo... I read your last post quickly to catch up, commiserated silently, didn't read the comments, then went to do laundry. And today I finally read all the many, many comments and your replies. I'm surprised you had time for anything else in the last couple of days. A hornet's nest indeed. I'm not surprised that some of the comments "stung." <br /><br />Like you I love comments on my blog but have never had anything like that kind of a response. Well, except for the time I mentioned that I was a young devotee (at twelve years old) of the first Trudeau and remembered fondly Trudeau-mania of the sixties. I was then soundly rebuked by a western reader who did not remember those times so fondly. Come on...I was twelve!! Almost makes you want to stop publishing anything like an opinion. But then, what would be the point of blogging? <br /><br />Just to be very clear... we love your opinions and want to hear them. Always. And see what you wear too, of course. xoSue Burpeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07282970328494769657noreply@blogger.com