It's
May already! I know, it seems every month we're in wonder that oh-my-gosh,
another month has gone by. I'm excited in knowing that
the winter is really really over now. Maybe there could be chance of
a cold wind or late late snow in April, but May we're clearly moving on to open
shoes and sun hats. As I'm embracing this meteorological change
of seasons, I'm looking forward to more sunny days in other ways,
too.
Watching
Baltimore.
Last week, Baltimore erupted into protests, looting, and rioting. The match
that sparked the unrest was the death of a young man named Freddie Gray as a
result of a spinal injury he suffered when arrested. However, I believe
that the protests are about more than the death of one person and any
sociologist or politician would examine the events further. In a deeper sense,
it’s the manifestation of years and years of frustration that are difficult to
put into words. If we look at the socio-economics of Baltimore in general, but
particularly, as highlighted this week, the conditions in the blocks of the
city called Sandtown, where Gray was from, we notice an alarming rate of
unemployment, high school dropouts, and imprisonment. The unrest may have
been quite surprising to those who have never ventured beyond the Inner Harbor,
M&T Stadium and Cambden Yards. But perhaps, this past week has
shed a spotlight on the Baltimore blocks beyond the tourist area and will bring
some kind of resolve to this great city.
Raising
my son to be chivalrous. Yesterday at my daughter's tennis match, there were no seats
for the spectators so my son and I dragged seats from the nearby outdoor
tables, about the length of 4 tennis courts. When my son got up and
wandered off, a lady made a move to sit in his seat and I let her know,
that he'd be back. So question moms -in rules of chivalry, a guy should give up
his seat for a lady. But does that count when the guy dragged the seat to that
spot for his specific use?
Being
appreciative of supportive voices. Every now and then, we need someone to say “good
job” and “I’ve got your back.” Someone outside of your family and small
circle of friends who are supposed to say that anyway. When that voice comes
from someone outside of that normal circle, it’s comforting, inspiring and
refreshing.
Making
no plans for Mother’s Day. I’m perplexed by the get ready for Mother’s Day
hoopla in women-oriented venues. For instance, mom blogs, women’s publications,
and Michael’s storefront are filled with ideas of what to get mom for Mother’s
Day. Other than tearing out the article or buying the supplies for a
hand-painted #1 Mom flower pot and slipping it to my husband and kids, I’m not
so sure why this is being directed at me. (And I admit, I might’ve left a
Pandora ad on my husband’s desk at some time.) I take no ownership in the
planning of Mother’s Day festivities. Each year, my sister-in-law will try to
get me to weigh in on family plans or make a reservation somewhere. Nope. For
one day, I don’t want to make any decision other than which hat am I
wearing. Everything else is on those folks who define my motherhood.
 |
| Hats I decorated to welcome spring (and a day at the races)! |
Enjoying
the sunshine. On
the lighter side, today I’m soaking in a little bit of the sun, writing this
blogpost sitting outside in our little town square. Often in the spring and
summer, I will take my computer and sweet tea outside. It’s so much more
pleasant getting work done while feeling the warmth of the sun on your face.
Any
changes coming your way this month?
Happy
May!
Join the conversation on Facebook: Just Piddlin' with Frances
No comments:
Post a Comment