The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Standing Tall

Caution: There is a colorful word--not my favorite word but a word that offends some nonetheless--in the photograph. If you have delicate sensibilities, put your hand on top of the picture and don't peek between your fingers.

       My daughter is quite an opinionated, sometimes-stubborn and brazen woman. (I have no idea where she got those characteristics...probably from her father.) There are certain things that either drive her bat**** crazy or make her fret uncontrollably. The circus--at least any circus where there are mistreated and abused performing lions and tigers and elephants. Stray cats in the middle of winter. And a chemical company that has its headquarters in St. Louis and is known for creating Astroturf.

      Tuesday of this week, there was a board meeting at this company--also known as the Devil's Laboratory. A small band of protestors--my daughter one of them--were there as they battled the bitter cold and over-zealous police officers. My daughter stood tall and straight and unwielding...like I've always taught her to do...at least indirectly.  

       No matter what profession we're in, or what social circle we belong to, there are times when we either have to stand tall for our beliefs or we have to back down and remain silent. It's my opinion that with age comes a freedom. I am no longer terribly worried about what others think of me--at least I don't obsess about it. I speak my mind, try to say things respectfully, but don't usually pussy-foot around issues. What you see is what you get...

     How about you? What is a time that you had to decide if you were going to stand up or let things go?

The other side of the sign says,
"Corporate greed creates mutant seeds."
This is my little girl...

28 comments:

  1. I think that we need to take the life as it comes. Need not care about others what they think of us. Happy weekend!!

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    1. Weekend-Windup--I wholeheartedly agree. Take things as they come...

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  2. I seem to be less fiery in my advancing age than in my youth. Might not be a bad thing. Maybe it just time to pass on the job to the younger ones, like your daughter. It is a good thing you made her strong as so few do stand for something these days.

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    1. Bookie--I too am less "fiery" about some things and others...well, other issues still make me spitting mad. But you're right. The younger generation needs to step up.

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  3. Good for your daughter. I'm raising three grandchildren in their modern new world. I could have a cause a day, but I limit them to maybe one a week. This afternoon I am going to find out why the middle school has a vending machine full of pop tarts, and what I can do to keep the youngest away from it.

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    1. Joanne--Good luck with the war against pop tarts. You know that pop tarts are the gateway sugar for candy bars and soda, don't you? ;)

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  4. Monsanto is evil. I do not say that lightly. Good for your daughter!

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    1. Birdie--After reading about what they do to farmers who don't wittingly use their seeds--I would say "evil" is a completely appropriate word choice. And yes, I think she's doing good...

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  5. Kudos, Mama Bear, for teaching your daughter to stand up for her beliefs. The times in my life when I've felt the strongest and spoke out the loudest was on behalf of my children.

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    1. Lisa--Thanks. I too speak the loudest when my kids are involved.

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  6. I grew up in the days of protests and speaking out for causes. Kudos to your daughter for not being afraid to let the world know what she thinks.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  7. Good for Your daughter and you. We lost a solid voice this week when Pete Seegar passed. While I happen to agree with your daughter on this issue, I'm glad to see people, especially the younger ones, take a stand for what they see as important. I had almost come to believe that young women today care only about shoes, wine and tiny dogs. I'm glad to know better.

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    1. Marcia--Although she DOES have a strong addiction to shoes, she's not into wine and is a cat person.

      And yes, when Pete Seeger died, it was a sad day for me. For everything, turn, turn turn...

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  8. She did not come by her activism passively. I'm sure she had a wonderful role model. Kudos to your daughter.

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    1. Linda--I think my daughter and your daughter are similar in that way--both strong and headstrong women...I will pass that onto her.

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  9. The other side said "Corporate Greed Creates Mutant Seeds!"

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    1. Michael--Apparently you're like most men--you only look at the pictures and fail to read any of the words.

      (Read the caption under the photo. It's been there all along...)

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  10. And this was on Tuesday, which was, like, the coldest day of the year! She's got spunk. Unlike Lou Grant, I like spunk. Good for her.

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    1. Val--Yes, and even though her very smart, very wise mother TRIED to buy her a warm pair of gloves a few weeks ago, she refused, so on Tuesday, she only had on a couple of knit pairs on...and her hands were quite cold. I resisted saying, "I told you so," but I AM going to buy her a pair and send them to her...with Monsanto as the sender.

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  11. I've always admired those who stand up for what they believe. They must be fierce spirits who see beyond themselves, and those people are the world's greatest hope.

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    1. Tammy--Fierceness is few and far between, these days. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there are enough selfless spirits to save our world.

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  12. I can see both of my daughters doing the same thing... good for yours! We need a strong next generation!

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    1. I too can see Jessica and Rita standing shoulder to shoulder with Virginia. And you're right, Lynn. We certainly need a strong younger generation to take our place...

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  13. The sign is entirely appropriate for Monsanto. Anyway....for some reason taking a stand has always been important for me and only recently have I learned when it is worth it. I really have no patience for people who have the need to always try and please everyone and thus, never able to stand up for what they believe right. Oh well.

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    1. Rubye--I rarely try to please other people--which certainly gets me into trouble at times. Too often, I "shoot from the hip" and think later...after I've opened my mouth.

      Thanks for stopping by...

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  14. Good for your daughter! I think it wasn't until I had kids of my own that my spine toughened. Suddenly, it wasn't just me--I was worried about THEIR future.

    Good for your daughter!

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    1. Cathy--You are so right. We get more militant when we have to stand up and defend our kids.

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Thanks for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...