I must admit: this is one of those times when I am in awe of what I have been able to do with a blog. At first, I read blogs in the hopes that I could learn something about the author and read with interest about their own anecdotes and stories. It took no time at all for me to exclaim, “Hey! I could do that!” and then this nagging voice in the back of my head would tell me that I hated writing and that I even hated teaching writing so why would I start an online journal of things that happen in my life?
That stupid, nagging voice has been shut up for about 5 years now.
I must also admit: I had no idea that people from Springfield were actually reading me unless they were my friends who pitied me and felt compelled to write a comment now and then. I’M LOOKING AT YOU, BECKY. (I’m kidding. Becky doesn’t pity me.) (At least I hope she doesn’t.) (Because I love her to pieces. That’s why I hope she doesn’t. She’s ten shades of awesome yellow sunshine in my life.) (You know what happens when you mention just one of your friends? You have to mention them all.) (I’m going to get this over with, ok? Janie, Tammy, Kay, Lisa… hmm. Guess I don’t have that many friends.) So when I began reading comments recently I was surprised that so many people who live in my town are now reading my blog. I’d like to apologize if I’ve ever cut you off in traffic, ran to the checkout counter before you just to get served first, or if you sit behind me in a movie theatre because I’m so tall and annoying to have to see around. I also pop my gum and irritate most people within a 5 foot radius.
Other than that, I’m a pretty good neighbor.
I’d like to think I’m a pretty good mom, too, because Mallory has sent out a request to her friends to help her mother’s Purse Drive out. Talk about being verklempt! I read her email and nearly fell over. Sometimes, we don’t even know how much we’re affecting our own children with our projects and activities. She came home from work last week (she’s a designer at an office space firm) and showed me this:
It occurred to me that she was designing purses and wanting to use scraps of leftover materials. She also wrote on the bottom “Home ec. class?” which makes me think she had a great idea for students to sew them (which is just an idea – I swear I’m not trying to make more work for the home economics teachers). This project is taking on a life of its own and I have friends in New York and Chicago and Houston who are collecting more purses for my school to donate. Hopefully, our boutique (the girls and I decided that “store” sounded less fun than “boutique”) will be open in two weeks.
Mostly, it inspired me to keep on thinking about this and dreaming big for my students.
I admit: that’s a fantastic feeling.
October 19, 2009 @ 8:25 pm | Filed under Everyday Mundane, Freaky Friends, Unintended Consequences | Permalink | Comments (12)
Amie aka MammaLoves Said,
October 19, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
I’m not surprised at all. You are a ray of sunshine and we are all helpless not to be better around you.
Meg Evans Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 4:25 am
So awesome! I can’t wait to see how this all turns out!
angie Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 5:03 am
Not only are you inspired, you are inspiring! And Mallory is a great testament to your life. You do good work, Mocha Mama!
Mommela Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 5:32 am
Oh that Mallory! I’m kvelling such naches for you!
Lu Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 7:36 am
I was telling a girlfriend about the purse drive this weekend and she was so touched by what you are doing for your students. I will be packing up a box of purses to send your way this week. I am putting the word out to my office since I know I work with some shopping women.
Rachel K Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 8:31 am
This is how it starts…most people get sick and tired of hearing bad news and want to be part of a solution. Your desire to help your students strikes a chord in each of us because we all want something better. A little kernel of hope goes a long way towards shoring up a girl’s foundation – self esteem, determination, resilience and responsibility. Mocha, your kindness and selfishness gives your students (some of whom probably don’t see it much in action) an example of “Be the change you want to be see in the world”. Kudos!
Belle Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Yay for you using your blog for good!
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy Said,
October 21, 2009 @ 12:29 am
Not everyone walks the walk. So many use their blogs for “getting” it’s awesome to see someone use it for giving. Purses from So Cal coming your way.
Nel Said,
October 21, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Oh my goodness, what I good daughter. And, obviously, what a good mother.
tracey Said,
October 22, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
It’s been 5 years??? Wow! It has. My DD was just born when we started at the other place… and now look at you! Such an inspiration. I’ve loved reading (albiet lurkingly..is that a word?) you all these years and seeing how mwny people you’ve touched…
Much love to you!
feefifoto Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
YOU are ten shades of awesome for creating and spearheading this project.
Becky Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
Okay i have had H1N1 this week and just read your post. (I can’t believe how much I have slept)
Nice to see myself in print. Of course I don’t pity you, I think your awesome. In fact I’m getting off this puter to call you right now.