I have a little load of delicates in this just-published book. I haven’t seen the book yet, but I’m posting this promotional video to make it easier for me to view another 2,000 times:
Since the video is a little finicky, you can always click and see it here.
The book is one thing, but the really interesting thing (to me) is that the editor, Kirtsy co-founder and social media maven Laura Mayes, was once a co-worker of mine. Actually, I was her dictatorial but charmingly benevolent boss back when I was a woman of substance. That our lives have intersected again is something far more interesting than anything of mine you’ll see in the book, because it’s the way women’s lives really are: deeply and profoundly connected.
I can get as riled up as the next gal about the inequality in this world of ours, the his-versus-hers, the patriarchy, and the idiots in pants. But the more I see, the more I see that’s the way it has always been. There is no equal, and there is no quality. So I don’t want to spend any more time getting riled up. Not while there is so much to do. Like write, and read, and fold laundry; like start companies and spread peace; like soothe the suffering and calm the cries; and discuss, yes, discuss everything amongst ourselves.
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Well, I'm going to be honest, which is good right? When I saw this video a couple of days ago it made me more mad than I have been in awhile. I love the book and the premise behind it, but the video just didn't do it justice I don't think.
It was a video, with beautiful images and something that could really make you want to get out and make a difference. But unfortunately the video, I feel, was overshadowed by so much negative "man-bashing" that I could barely see the good in there. Why was that necessary. I know that Katherine Center is a highly regarded author (and actually friends with quite a few of my close friends), but I just didn't get it. Why must we put others down to feel better and motivated to change ourselves?
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a woman's right to do anything she desires, but why not draw on the assistance of the wonderful (and often times inspiring) men in our lives. There are so many more great men out there than there are bad ones. And lest us not forget, they all have mothers…teach them well and they will honor and cherish our contributions in everything we do.
There's my two cents, for what it's worth. I'm glad to hear you could be a part of the book and I'm really looking forward to seeing it!
Comment by 1stdaughter — November 20, 2009 @ 10:52 pm
Me…I loved the video. But really what I loved is your response. There is too much to do–so much to do. Lets get moving. Its amazing what one woman and her sisters can do…
Comment by Meg Casey — November 20, 2009 @ 11:36 pm
Ugh. Never been a libber, but that's because I've never felt held back. And just as I start to roll my eyes at all the complaining, I remind myself how different my reaction would be if it were a video about the plight of animals. I'd be in the front of the bandwagon, waving the flags. So, there's honest.
Comment by DQ's Windmill — November 21, 2009 @ 12:34 am
Ha! By co-worker, Karen really means that she was my boss and mentor, the person who believed in me enough to give me my first real writing job…which, frankly, was a questionable decision because I knew NOTHING! Karen is the real writer and a true teacher. Her best advice: write every day and keep a dictionary very close by.
Karen, thank you for your words. I'm so proud that you agreed to be in this book. Cheers to you!
Comment by Girl con Queso — November 21, 2009 @ 2:22 am
Write every day, huh? I said that? I wish I could remember everything I ever said, but then I wouldn't need to write every day. Because we are writing to ourselves: teaching ourselves. Every teacher deserves an attentive student.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — November 21, 2009 @ 3:44 am
thank you. so. very. much. "no equal. no quality. no more riled up. yes write, read, laundry. yes start, soothe, discuss." me too. i am not alone. gracias.
Comment by qmama — November 21, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
I decided a while ago – a long while ago – to stop being angry about all the inequalities, statistics and imbalances. I would prefer to expend that energy doing my work, living my life, and hopefully that alone can help turn the tides, at least a teeny tiny bit.
Comment by Swirly — November 23, 2009 @ 4:38 pm