Women and Happiness

Lovely, thanks! I got chills

The opposite of happiness is fear and obedience.

I loved this post, Ariel! And as I read it, a memory of you opening the door as I picked up my son from his play date with Maia came flooding back. What I remember most about that is that tiny pieces of paper, each containing a sentence or two, were strewn all over your living room floor. That's when I KNEW you would become a writer. If you could work on a story or paper in the midst of having 2 three year olds running all over your house and still concentrate - then the discipline of sitting down to just write was already shaped. And of course, here you are: a writer.

I think there is a special place in hell reserved for educators and educational staff who are dream-killers. I'm so glad you didn't listen to her advice!

I loved reading this article as I'm an aspiring writer and new Mom who works full time to support my family. Thank you for you encouragement and empowering words. As TE Lawrence said "dream your dreams with open eyes and make them come true." As women, we have always successfully filled multiple roles in our lives and we don't need to pay attention to anyone attempting to shatter our dreams. The fact that we can sustain life within us and give birth to such magnificent human beings is a testimony to the inherent power in each and every one of us.

God bless ya, Ariel Gore. You've done it again. Thank you! I needed this tonight.

I finally got a high school degree when I was 35. I went to night school at Anaheim Evening High school.
I was frightened because I did not know the academic jargon required for registration. So I silently watched other people and tried to copy what they did.
I got in a long line for registration but when I finally got to the window to do the paperwork, I was told that I could not register at that line because I did not have a high school degree. I would have to meet with a special advisor who dealt with high school dropouts. I slunk away feeling like shit.

Then I got the first of many academic advisers. One told me that I could not pass the required algebra class because I "had a concrete working class mind and could not deal with abstract ideas". This fat pompous prick had the power to tell me that my brain was inadequate? I never had high school math because girls were not taught math or biology in Ireland at that time. Those were boys' topics.

I lived for classes in literature, poetry, and theatre. . When I did got a brilliant teacher in a entry level English composition, I was enthralled by her intelligence and wit. Yet a big oaf of a boy sat next to me muttering under his breath, "I hate that bitch.. I hate that bitch. bitch..bitch.." Some professor were dull and stiff. They had lost the juice of really enjoying books.
I caught the pleasure of books again in Ariel's class. Thank you.

I finally got a high school degree when I was 35. I went to night school at Anaheim Evening High school.
I was frightened because I did not know the academic jargon required for registration. So I silently watched other people and tried to copy what they did.
I got in a long line for registration but when I finally got to the window to do the paperwork, I was told that I could not register at that line because I did not have a high school degree. I would have to meet with a special advisor who dealt with high school dropouts. I slunk away feeling like shit.

Then I got the first of many punishing academic advisers. One told me that I could not pass the required algebra class because I "had a concrete working class mind and could not deal with abstract ideas". This fat pompous prick had the power to tell me that my brain was inadequate? I never had high school math because girls were not taught math or biology in Ireland at that time. Those were boys' topics.

I lived for classes in literature, poetry, and theatre. . When I did got a brilliant teacher in a entry level English composition, I was enthralled by her intelligence and wit. Yet a big oaf of a boy sat next to me muttering under his breath, "I hate that bitch.. I hate that bitch. bitch..bitch.." Some professor were dull and stiff. They had lost the juice of really enjoying books.
I caught the pleasure of books again in Ariel's class. Thank you.

Oh GIIIIRL!!! You rock!

I wanted to be an actress, then a theatre designer, then I was a mommy for a while and married to an a-hole who thought finishing my degree was a "selfish" desire... Then I went back to school as a single mom (so there!), and was closest to an English degree than anything else. So, English it was. Creative Writing emphasis.

Then, I took a course called The Art of the Personal Essay (yes, that was our textbook). I had found my place. I'd always been a writer - just not as publicly as I am trying to be now.

Today, I struggle with being a mom, working out of the house, and needing to write more. NEEDing, not just WANTing. The discipline bit is key, I think, and I need to cultivate that in myself. Thank you for reminding me, and encouraging us all!!

p.s. current hubby wants me to work toward staying home and writing full-time... definitely did a better job choosing my support team this time around. :)