Lost? Lost on this site? You have made your mark so to speak. And made it well. I totally enjoy reading the “Liza” input any time I am on this site and it’s very clear I’m not alone. Take your rightful or should I say “writeful” place at the table Liza. You belong there and the seat is yours! :)

Frank and Frannie, Thank you so much for your comments and insights. You are both beautiful souls and I appreciate that you share your wisdom on this and other topics. Again, I express my gratitude for this site and it’s community. It was good to hear from both of you that despite the negatives/challenges, you see “a way” for these kids to live whole. And Frannie, your Mom sounds wonderful. My kids are familiar with the “radar.” They still marvel at that “knowing place” in Moms that is intuitive. Recently, I overheard my youngest when I was out of view tell a sibling, “Don’t do it because Mom will know…she always knows.” It made me laugh. Frank- I will share a funny story about my online “name.” I have rarely posted on a site before this one. Once in a blue moon, I would comment on an especially moving news story. So I discovered this website and was pretty captivated immediately. For the first time, I had this nudge to be “a part.” Well, having little online experience in this way, no idea who traffics the site overall, and a very unusual and telltale first name , I said hmmm, I guess I need a “psuedo-name” for these purposes. I’m always lecturing my kids on internet safety, the magnitude of where their words go online, etc. So I was eager to post and read on wowowow and on this particular day I was at a creative low so I had no cool, catchy name coming to mind . I was noting the draw to the site nudging me to have the courage to post was very different for me and I was feeling a little sassy within myself to override the former things that had held me back. So what came to me was “totally sassy” as that was what I was feeling that day. Hence the “T.S.” It was also a reminder for me to keep with it. If the next day I woke up and went back into a lack of courage to write , I was hoping it would “remind’ me of the previous days triumph to say “what the heck…it’s o.k.” Now at this point I feel the initials are alien to me. Not representing where I am now. This amazing community of writers and thinkers has bolstered my courage and I have frequently thought about changing the name but then figured, “but no one will recognize me!” I didn’t want to start splitting off into online “alters” :). So I have kept it as T.S. I know it doesn’t roll off the tongue or rather the keyboard easily in these exchanges. Just not sure how to go about a switch. :) Well, I’ll close know and again thank you both for your input on the question and my post. You are stellar…

Beautifully stated as usual, Frank. I think this generation might be dealing with some additional things. For one thing, the sketchy leadership and increasing lack role models to emulate. The pervasive lack of integrity. The scandals - the Catholic Church, steroid abuse, blatant lies put forth as “misspeaking,” a pre-emptive & questionably legal war that some former role models “sold” with spin, faulty elections, etc. The rampant over medication of our kids in this society (Ritalin, Prozac, etc). The culture of narcissism that is quietly growing. And these are just a few. I’m not intimating that some of this hasn’t been there throughout history , it just seems that the canvas these young men and women have to paint their lives on is muddied in addition to the challenges they face. I’m not sure if this is just my perception. What are your thoughts? Ultimately, I have faith and confidence that they will create lives in spite of it. Sometimes I think it’s the disintegration of an old paradigm that no longer works. I have four sons (9yrs to 19). I am always seeking perspectives on this as I try to raise them with values and to be equipped to have balanced happy lives in very changing times.

Wow…very interesting points.

Liza…I’m confused. Where did this “sister” reference come from? I can’t find what it’s alluding to. Probably me…feel a bit “out there” today. Anyway, I think “sister” is an endearing term that conveys the energy of the feminine. The “sisterhood.” The invisible thread that brings women together into the circle of “yin.” What about it bothers you? Personally, I can’t stand “Mam.” Don’t know why. Feel it should not be used until a woman is over 75 yrs. of age. :) I also don’t like the phrase, “Have a good one.” (popular in my area) I think you can at least make the effort to “specify.” Have a good what? Week, month, year, day, life, sandwich, etc…! :)

I agree with Holland. I sat in front of my computer in tears and feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Your words were so inspiring ,Maggie. Thank you.

Yes, I am a sister. Yes, the “sacred” in my query to you refers to spirituality. And if I may, I’d like to elaborate when I have a bit more time, if you would like. So please sweet sister, check back here. I have read several of your posts and your energy is radiant. :)

I will join you both in the minority. I see this “overpopulation” problem of having several root causes that issuing regulations on people will never change. It’s really a complicated issue. And there is a human nature element that Big Brother (sister, grandma, cousin, etc) will not curb in the long run. Another imbalance would be created if this were to be instituted. I say to that, “mark my words in Sharpie.” Something about addressing the surface of this issue by limiting the number of children one can have TOTALLY creeps me out. But I don’t have really strong feelings about this or anything…:)

Lena, Do you think it was “him” or a sacred space between you both that you awakened to? Or maybe a sacred place in you that in knowing him you were able to access?

Yes, Beth. I take that quite seriously and am very much behind what you said. Shame on all of us… BTW, that is one of my favorite quotes!

I loved it, too. Each and every episode. Was quite sad when the last season ended. Oh and ignore, “who?” :)

Love your avatar so much.

Noted Frank. No offense intended. It was meant to show lightheartedness with some oomph in my agreement. It’s the glitch in the written vs. spoken word. No intonation, can’t see the smile it’s typed with, or hear how it’s conveyed. You are ageless and I apologize.

Very cool…

And what a lovely take it is…