Can't Keep Quiet Anymore

Grandma has been busy for a few years, and just hasn't had the time to poke her nose in your business. But the state of the world today has me sputtering in my tea. People! What are you doing?

I didn't do a good job keeping my mouth shut during the sham of the presidential campaign. But, really, I thought Trump was just a sillier Sarah Palin and enjoyed the circus, exercising my sarcastic skills on social media. Emails? Really? While the comedian is bragging about his relationship with Russia and inviting them to hack Hillary's email? Praising WikiLeaks?

I had all my snacks prepared to enjoy the election results. It was going to be the best evening of the year. Shrimp, egg roll, cheese and crackers, wine, popcorn.

It was a shock when things went south that night, and things haven't changed direction yet.

During the transition, I was sure that somehow, someone would step in and save us from ourselves, calling the election a sham and somehow call a do over. Didn't happen.

I really thought the rumors of Russia and his aides and cabinet picks would cause some consternation, but if the association of his main advisers with the alt right didn't raise eyebrows, why would this. If it wasn't so sad it would have been funny watching the GOP contort themselves in defense of these friendships.

Then, of course, it was alternative facts. And facts they don't believe. Then the leaks. And the announcement that the administration didn't trust the intelligence. Good job making an enemy of the intelligence agencies. It's probably the thing that will save us if we only move fast enough.

But now, somebody better do something quick, because shit just got even scarier.

Billy Ray Cyrus Needs to Grow a Pair and YOU have to Parent Your Own Kids

The story that’s making all the headlines today has Grandma all worked up again about parental responsibilities and role models. So, how does the story about Billy Ray Cyrus blaming the hit show Hannah Montana, starring his talented daughter Miley Cyrus, for ruining his family life play into it?

Grandma has stated time and time again that parents should act as their own role models for their kids and not expect sports stars or movie and TV personalities to set the example. As a parent, it’s your responsibility and your responsibility alone to portray the values you want your child to base their lives on.

Grandma is upset that Billy Ray is trying to wimp out of responsibility for the problems in his life by pointing the finger. Theresa Leschmann presents the case very nicely in her article  "Billy Ray Cyrus Blames “Hannah Montana” for Ruining His Family” and Grandma encourages you to read it.

Why does Billy Ray feel he has to justify his parenting skills to anyone anyway?

Miley Cyrus is all grown up. In grandma’s opinion, she’s grown up well compared to a lot of other young celebrities we’ve read about in the news. But now, papa Billy Ray is getting a divorce, has been chided for parenting mistakes he may have made during the past few years, and is pointing his finger at the hit show Hannah Montana for his ills.

Grow a pair, Billy Ray. Your daughter was spotted smoking salvia from a bong and irate parents blamed you because they expect your daughter to be a role model for their young child.

Kids grow up. Your daughter is no different.  It’s only natural that she would want to be portrayed as a young adult during those years that the show kept her character a ‘tween idol. Grandma doesn't agree with a lot of the choices you made, but, I guess it's none of my business. I'm not her parent. Nor yours.

Own up to your own mistakes, but don’t deflect blame that shouldn’t be hurled at you in the first place. Pay attention to your own family.

Grandma rambled a bit here. Hard to believe Hannah Montana caused such a big problem with her day.

Before you comment, that was meant as sarcasm. 

Warning About High Energy Drinks

High energy soft drinks puts kids at danger, but instead of admitting it for the safety of the kids who unwittingly drink the stuff that is so easy for them to get because it's legal, the people who profit point to the caffeine content. This really ticks grandma off.


Sure, a lot of these high energy drinks don't have that much more caffeine than coffee or other caffeine drinks, but the danger is not only in the caffeine. Stimulants that grandma and others who care about the health of the kids never even heard of are also in the drinks, but the smoke screen has gone up and the argument is about caffeine.


Meanwhile, kids are being put at risk. Even the risk of death.


According to this article at YCN: 

The overused drinks can cause strokes, heart palpitations, seizures or even sudden death from caffeine or like ingredients in the drinks, which the authors of the report claim are under studied. Nausea and diarrhea often results in young people who use the energy drinks.

 Sales from the drinks are supposed to top $9 billion dollars this year. Good reason for putting our kids at risk?


Read More.......

Going to Wal-Mart? Grandma Says Wear a Bra

The only thing Grandma likes about winter is that she can leave the house without a bra. This piece might fall into the too much information category, but you know that Grandma doesn’t give a rip about things like that.

Putting on layers of warm clothes to fight the freezing temperatures allows me to cover up what I don’t want the world to know. Who can tell what shape a woman really looks like she’s in when she’s swaddled in a cocoon of wool and microfiber, anyway?

Once you reach the crone age, physical comfort is a really big reward that should be enjoyed as much as possible.

The only time Grandma puts on a bra in the winter time is if she’s going somewhere with friends or family who might be embarrassed if she took off her warm winter wrap.

And, of course, if Grandma is going to Wal-Mart.

Grandma has laughed, scowled and forwarded dozens of emails of pictures taken of Wal-Mart shoppers dressed, or something that can be loosely defined as dressed. Sometimes Grandma even throws up in her mouth a little bit as she sees how some people go out in public. Previous to the shoppers of Wal-Mart craze Grandma got her best fashion chuckles at the public beach.

Now you know more about Grandma than you probably want to. Sorry about that. But, hopefully you’ll never see my picture included in those shoppers of Wal-Mart photos you see in your email. Feel very thankful for that.

Reader has her Own Grandma who Butts In

Dear Grandma,

How should I handle an interfering grandma who is always telling me that the way I am raising my children is wrong just because it is different than she raised hers? It’s a touchy subject around our home when dear hubby’s Mom comes to visit or makes her thrice weekly phone call to monitor how we are raising her grandbabies. She believes in spanking, and I don’t. She wants me to let them eat whatever they want while I insist on balanced healthy meals and a minimum of snacks. Help please.

Mom who doesn’t spank.

Dear Mom who Doesn’t Spank,

Every mom has a right to raise her children in her own way and to enjoy her family without being judged as long as everyone is safe, healthy and happy.

Grandma has lived a long time, and has seen that generations of women have problems in this area. There are as many reasons for the family problem as there are types of people.

While this Grandma believes that anyone who thinks a child in danger has a responsibility to speak up, Grandma doesn’t think this is a problem in your case.

Some moms never let their children grow up and live their own lives. They have to be told when they’re interfering.

Some women just need to grow a tougher skin.

Others need to be honest and communicate their feelings better.

Does grandma really interfere, or are you susceptible to take every comment as a judgment?

Have you tried letting grandma know how you feel when she makes her comments?

Is it possible that Grandma is lonely and calls three times a week so that she can stay in touch with her family?

Is it possible that you second guess a lot of your decisions and see a judgment in any comment or question about your parenting skills? The decision about spanking and meals is healthy and fair. This Grandma can’t see why you just can’t firmly tell your mother-in-law that this is what you and your husband have decided on and let any other comments echo harmlessly.

Being a mother is hard. So is being a mother-in-law, daughter or daughter-in-law. Grandma thinks that all of these women share a common bond. They all want the kids to be happy. They also don't want their own parenting skills to be judged. For the sake of the children, open the lines of communication. Honest communication. The kids can pick up on the tension.

If you really think that you’re not overdramatizing the situation and that grandma is interfering, it’s up to you to talk to your mother-in-law. Do it calmly, and do it soon.

Is my Girlfriend Cyber Flirting?

Dear Grandma,

I’m sure you probably don’t hear from a lot of men, but I need some help. My girlfriend and I live together and she spends all of her time when she’s not working chatting with people online. She’s very secretive and will either close her laptop or turn it when I walk behind her. I don’t know if she’s just playing games online like she says or is maybe flirting or more with some of the people she’s met through these games. How can I find out?

Gaming Victim

Dear Gaming Victim,

You didn’t mention why you don’t believe her claim of playing online games. You also don’t give a hint to why you suspect that she is flirting. Grandma doesn’t know if you have a reason to not trust the woman you are sharing a life with or if you’re just controlling or paranoid.

Have you tried discussing your concerns directly and honestly with her? In my opinion that’s the best way to find out something about someone. If this basic concept hasn’t occurred to you and you’re looking for other ways to find out about your girlfriend’s private activities, it’s no wonder she turns the laptop away from your prying gaze when you enter the room.

Back in Grandma’s Day we had extension phones. Do you remember those? If so, did you listen in on other peoples conversations? I hope not. If you didn’t, why do you think it’s okay to pry into your girlfriends social contacts now?

I would suggest that you calmly let your girlfriend know that you are curious about her online activity. Tell her why you feel threatened by her actions that seem to protect her privacy. It may just come down to the simple need of communicating with someone. In that case, maybe you could make yourself available so she has someone to talk to face to face outside of work and she won’t feel the need to spend so much time chatting online.

If her answers aren’t good enough for you, maybe you want to rethink this ‘trusting’ relationship and discuss where it is going with your girlfriend. Especially since you feel that you’re a victim, as you indicated by the way you signed your letter.

Grandma doesn’t think people should live in situations where they feel like the victim. But, there are people who feel like victims in every area of their lives. Grandma isn’t equipped to help the perpetual victim, but, instead urges professional counseling.

But in your case, Grandma thinks some open and honest communication and respect will solve the problem.

Chicago Bear Steaks, Packer Country Style

Green Bay Packer Fans usually like their steaks cooked on the grill, and Grandma knows a great recipe for the best grilled beef steak.

But now, Packer fans are braving the cold and building up a taste for some hot Chicago Bear Steak to fortify them for the best game of the playoff season and lead them to the Super Bowl.

How does Chicago Bear Steak simmered with onion sound? The Chicago Bear steaks are not only tender, but that awful aftertaste of the midnight blue, orange and white coat have been tempered by the addition of onions.

The best Chicago Bear Steak will be available after kickoff on January 23rd, but stock up on the onions and beer so you'll be ready to cook up this tasty post game dinner. Once you get your hands on the pulverized Chicago Bear meat, Packer fans only have a few steps left to prepare the meal. You can easily do it during half time.

Pound the living hell out of the Chicago Bear Steak with a meat tenderizer. If the Packers have already taken care of this job, as Grandma suspects is the case, just wash the Bear steaks off with some beer from the can I know you’re drinking, and dredge them in some flour with a bit of salt and pepper.  (If the bear meat has been overly beaten into submission on the field and falls apart by the time you get it, check out the way Grandma prepares Chicago Bear Meat Balls.)

Drop the floured and seasoned Chicago Bear steaks into a hot skillet of oil and sliced onions and brown on both sides. Drain off the excess oil. Chicago Bear steaks are known to be a bit greasy, so make sure you remove that disgusting mess from the skillet as well.

Add enough water to the skillet to cover the Bear steaks. Cover the pan and let the meat simmer, or stew, just like Lovie Smith is on the sidelines, until you’re ready to enjoy your meal.

Chicago Bear Steak during the playoffs is a rare treat. In fact, the last time Grandma remembers enjoying such a wonderful post season treat is back in 1941. The taste quickly soured in my mouth. I’ll really be enjoying the sweet taste this year.

Grandma plans on stocking up on enough Chicago Bear Meat to last her right through the Super Bowl Victory party.

Perhaps I’ll add some peppers and my favorite sauce, put it on a hoagie roll and enjoy a great Chicago Cheese Steak Sandwich, Packer style.

Chicago Bear Meat Ball Recipe for Tailgating Pleasure

Green Bay Packer Fans have a chance to pick up some fresh bear meat on their way to the big Super Bowl party. Grandma has some tips on how to best prepare the Chicago Bear meat is a way that will make your cheese snacks taste even better.

The best tasting Chicago Bear meat won’t be available until after kickoff on January 23rd, of course, but Grandma is all about being prepared and wants to make sure you have all of the other ingredients you’ll need packed into the Green Bay Packer Fan Tailgate party kit.

A good treat for half time of the Packer – Bear football game is Bear Meat Balls. The Bear meat has probably been ground up during the first half of the football game and will save you, the Packer Fan from the task.

For each pound of Chicago Bear meat, add 1/8 of a cup of chopped onion, ¼ cup of bread crumbs and a tablespoon of milk.

Mix the ingredients together well. Form it into balls. You don’t have to be gentle when handling ground Chicago Bear meat. Go ahead and slap it, roll it, and add a bit of salt.

Add some oil to your skillet and heat it up until it starts to spit a bit. Many Green Bay Packer Fans enjoy the popping noise made as Chicago Bear meat is dropped into the hot oil. Fry the Bear meat balls until they are brown. Resist the temptation to overcook. We have a great football team that will take care of that.

Chicago Bear meat has to be cooked thoroughly to kill the dangerous bugs, diseases and parasites that the meat has been known to carry. Stay healthy so that you can enjoy watching the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl by finishing the Chicago Bear meat balls in the oven until you’re sure they are cooked thoroughly.

If you’re not planning on feasting on the Chicago Bear meat balls until the post game celebration, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the drippings in the skillet along with some water. Heat to a boil, stirring constantly and put the browned Chicago Bear meat balls back into the hot gravy bath. Turn down the heat and let them simmer for about an hour.

Don’t worry about turning down the heat on the Chicago Bear meat balls. The Green Bay Packers will be applying enough heat to the Bears on the field.

Grandma will be posting more Chicago Bear Meat recipes as she thinks of them. Check back often. Better yet, subscribe to Grandma Butts Inn.

Grandma Has Exciting News for the New Year

Grandma Butts Inn is excited to announce that she has partnered with 3ContentWriters.

I

We're not exactly sure what you would call what we are, but we sure do have a lot to offer. Each member of the 3ContentWriters group brings varying skills to the table and are devoting their individual commitment to the success of the group as a whole.

When you see 3ContentWriters you know that you are getting quality professional service from a group that incorporates 3 distinct personalities and a wide range of interests and achievements to form a single entity. 3ContentWriters offers a wide range of professional content services to meet the needs of all of our clients with creative and innovative quality web content.

3 professional content creators, Patrice Campbell, Theresa Leschmann, and Suzanne Alicie  have created the 3ContentWriters group to provide a well rounded selection of skills and services with flair and integrity. 

3ContentWriters has published a press release, in case you missed it.

Grandma Butts Inn will not change because of this partnership. The blog will stay the same, but grandma is a freelance writer after all and has to do something while waiting for people to say something to let her butt in.

Right now, I'm going to Facebook to like the 3ContentWriters page. Follow me over there.

Happy Holidays from a PC Challenged Grandma

photo used with permission under morgueFile Free License

Grandma and her family celebrate Christmas. I’ve said it. It’s a religious holiday that we embrace to the fullest, both spiritually and commercially.

Other religions celebrate holidays during the month of December, too, but Grandma doesn’t have a lot of knowledge of these holidays unless they are part of a religion followed by her friends. It’s not that she doesn’t care or want to know, it’s just that a person can only know so much. Grandma is always open to learning more. She doesn’t believe that learning about the beliefs of others in any way jeopardizes her own beliefs.

Holidays besides religious holidays are also being celebrated throughout the world during the month and into next month.

So, please forgive Grandma her ignorance. But, please, accept the best wishes that you find happiness in celebrating your Holiday, no matter what that holiday may be.

Happy Holidays

Video of "The Rent is Too Damn High" Debate

Grandma found the video from her earlier post on the "The Rent is Too Damn High". This is from the NY Governors Debate. Jimmy McMillan is a real crowd pleaser.









And Grandma agrees. The rent is too damn high.

Love "The Rent is Too Damn High" Political Debate

The election of 2010 may seem to be full of negativity, with fringe candidates making enough outrageous statements to make even the most civic minded voter throw up their hands in despair, or maybe just throw up, but the New York Governors race has brought a bit of humor into the mix and made this Grandma remember why she likes to follow politics.

Jimmy McMillan was a hit in the New York Governors Debate as his  "The Rent is Too Damn HIgh" campaign seems to have struck a chord with listeners. Watch the video.

This, in a debate that also included candidate Carl P. Paladino leaving during the final statements to find a bathroom and a quote from a former escort business owner that  "The key difference between the MTA and my former escort agency is that I operated one set of books and my former agency delivered on-time, reliable service."

But "The Rent is Too Damn High" is what I'll remember. I don't think I'm alone in this.

Bathtub Toys Recalled by Munchkin Due to Risk of Injury

I received the following email and wanted to share it as quickly as possible. Check the tubs for this toy.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2010

Release #11-012

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 242-3134

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bathtub Toys Recalled by Munchkin Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bathtub Subs

Units: About 34,000 units

Importer: Munchkin Inc, of North Hills, Calif.

Hazard: The intake valve on the bottom of the submarine toy can suck up loose skin, posing laceration hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the company are aware of 19 incidents of lacerations to boys' genital area. One of the incidents required medical attention.

Description: This recall involves battery-operated bathtub submarine toys. The toy is yellow, has a smiling face, turquoise windows, an orange propeller and an orange periscope that turns the toy on and off. The intake valve has a water pump that sucks in water to propel the submarine. The toy is intended for use by children during bath time.

Sold at: Mass merchandise retail stores nationwide and children's stores nationwide from November 2009 through September 2010 for about $7.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Munchkin for instructions on how to return the product for a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Munchkin at (877) 242-3134 anytime or visit the company's website at http://www.munchkin.com/

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11012.html

News Story: 'I'm too rich to go to jail' Ticks Grandma Off

The flip side of entitlements the elite are always complaining about is obvious in this story I read at MSNBC.com.


We often wonder who raised the spoiled kids who grow into spoiled adults. Parents often tend to think their precious children will outgrow their selfishness and be well adjusted adults who fit well into a working society. Well, it's not as easy as that. Between celebs getting in trouble with drugs, violence and scandals bordering on harassment to poor little rich kids who think they can get away with anything, parenting skills seem to have a gap as wide as the gap in incomes.


This young lady must be making her parents proud today. I've taken a quote from the story:

"When deputies placed Hincapie under arrest, she allegedly said, "You are in trouble because I am a New Yorker and my brother is CSI" and "My dad paid cash for my Toyota Corolla and I am too rich to go to jail." "

Read the entire story


Grandma thinks you'd better pay attention to how you're raising your child, unless you want to read about his or her accomplishments in the news.

Oldest NFL Rivalry Causes Mini Civil War

Arguments will break out today in offices and homes throughout the country as the stage is being set for the oldest rivalry in the NFL to battle it out in Chicago.


The Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, two top contenders in the Black and Blue division made up of the Packers, Bears, Vikings and Lions, meet twice during the regular football season and cause commotion that can only be described as short lived civil war across the country.


It's brother against brother, husband against wife, coworker against coworker as team pride takes precedence over work tasks and tasks around the home and yard alike. And this year the game has national attention because it is played on Monday night. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?


Grandma is ready in her most comfortable Packer sweatshirt. Fans of da Bears are being identified and spammed on Facebook.


Usually, Grandma promotes understanding and tolerance as a way of successfully living in society, but on the day when the oldest NFL rivalry go head to head Grandma just joins in the fray.


It's time to fire up the grill and start the party. Cooking up some perfect steaks and brats? Slice some cheese to go along with that.


Grandma Butts Inn and says go ahead and argue. I think today should be a football holiday.

Old Farts take the First Step Forward

Yesterday Grandma was kind of cranky. I'd just read a piece in the NYT about people over 50 expected to not be able to find jobs in their lifetime if they were unemployed. In case you missed the post "Old Farts Should just Give Up?" feel free to read it before you go on.


So, Grandma did what Grandma does. I decided to just butt in and give some suggestions to those who are worried about job prospects as the economy recovers. I came up with a few ideas:


Did you know that there were places to learn online? FOR FREE? Yep. You can watch video lectures from several well known higher learning institutes. Lifehacker has compiled a number of places offering free online education for of us not quite ready to live a life of imposed retirement.


Whitson Gordon writes in his article Where to Get the Best Free Education Online:

"While most online resources won't grant you a college degree, there's a lot more to the internet than Wikipedia when it comes to learning. Whether you learn best through video or text, want to take a year-long course or just to touch up on a few topics, there are more than a few places online that can give you the full experience. In fact, there are enough that it can get quite overwhelming, so we've rounded up the best resources to make it all a bit more manageable. Here are some of the best places to get an education without ever leaving your computer."

For those who feel the time is right to jump into the freelance world and work from home, the internet offers a lot of people who have a lot of tips and experience to share.


For example, Suzanne Alicie writes a blog called Work From Home: 

"All about work from home opportunities and methods of earning from the comfort of your sofa. No scams! Only real work from home opportunities."

I follow this blog because it has so much information that I really find helpful.


I write a blog about freelancing called The Frustrated Freelancer  that you might want to check out just in case you think writing full time is a picnic in the sun.


The person who wants to find a way to get by while they're looking for employment will find a way. Especially the folks in Grandma's generation.

Old Farts Should Just Give Up?

The New York Times has an article that says if you're over 50 and unemployed, you might just become old enough to collect Social Security before you ever find a job.


Huh?


I'm thinking the NYT should get ready to print a retraction. These young whipper snappers don't know what the hell they're talking about.


We were raising our families during the recession of the 80's, and we did it successfully. We can do it again. You see, WE HAVE EXPERIENCE in making a comeback. Most of us were raising young children during that time and we managed to keep them fed, clothed and they grew up to be responsible adults. When the line a the unemployment office wound around several blocks, we looked for other options.


When somebody 'moves our cheese', we don't waste time crying about it. We start looking for it, and in addition, we know enough to look out for the better cheese we might find in our search.


Give up, my butt.


It's time to show the NYT that Baby Boomers can make quite a BANG when they decide to make something happen. Start keeping stats on the over 50 crowd that start their own business and end up hiring a person to help here and there. 


Keep stats on us washed up has beens who'll keep plugging away because WE KNOW HOW to keep putting one foot in front of the other.


While the younger crowd looks for a job that 'looks good' on their resume, we'll be talking about day jobs at the temp agency. We'll expand opportunities networking at the places we volunteer. 


We'll try new things because we know better than to let anyone tell us our horizons are shrinking.


NYT. Don't mess with us. Spend your time polishing up your resume, instead, because, in case you haven't heard, print journalism is in trouble.


And that's all Grandma has to say. (For Now)

Dear Grandma, If you like to give advice maybe you can help me

Grandma has been asked a question in the comment section of her very first post. I don't even have to butt in. Thanks, reader who wrote:

If you like to give advice, maybe you can help me.

My husband started a weekend lawn service to help us pay the bills. He did pretty good over the summer, and I thought we'd have some extra money to enjoy life. Now he bought a $7,000 tractor for his lawn service. He says he can use it to do other stuff for customers like plow snow during the winter.

I got mad and bought a leather couch just to teach him a lesson. It only cost $5,600. Less than his tractor. Now he's mad at me.

How can I let him know that I put up with him being gone almost every night during the summer and most weekends, leaving me here to clean the house without any help and I deserve a break, too. We really can't afford the couch, but we could if he would take the tractor back. He is being really selfish. The couch looks great and all of my friends love it and tell me I should be a decorator.

Taken for Granted

September 4, 2010 4:36 PM

Dear Taken for Granted,

In my opinion, someone is being very selfish here. Childish and vindictive also come to mind. What have you done to help the family budget lately? A few extra household chores?

Where is your brain, child. You spend money you don't have because you're mad that your husband is trying to make extra money that you need? It doesn't sound like his tractor is a toy or display piece, but an investment in his business. Instead of taking the winter off, he's planning to go out in the cold to earn extra money.

You complain about being left to do the chores. Have you offered to ride along and help in with his lawn business? Not only would you spend time with him, jobs would go faster meaning more money with less time.

If yard work isn't your thing, it's not mine either, have you thought about a second job of your own to pay for your expensive treats?

If a second job isn't your thing, have you thought about just cutting down on expenses?

I hope you saved the receipt for the couch and make arrangements to have it picked up and your money refunded as soon as possible. I also hope you let your husband know that you feel left out but that you understand what he is doing is for your family. He sounds like he takes his family responsibilities seriously.

Grandma


Do you have a comment or question for grandma?

I Want to be a Crone

In civilizations long since past, the aging female was looked upon with respect. The oldest in the community was often called the wise woman, crone, healer, witch or just mother.

Personally, I like the term crone. I want to be a Crone.

A generation ago, I would have fit into this category. Today, because of the aging population, I’m put into the category of Younger Baby Boomer. I feel ripped off.

I’ve lived a lot of years. Formal education, lifelong learning studies, and just living day to day have left me with knowledge and experiences to share. Working full time and raising a child on my own, running a household and being involved in community events and charity work  have added to the data base of trivial and important facts and ideas in my brain.

My gut has been trained to send advice to my cranial decision making processor. My face traces the routes of my trials and successes, my joys and my pains. I see with eyes that compares present to past.

But how many people seek me out for advice????? I can count them on one hand.

A few years ago I learned how to handle this hurtful situation. I just butt in and give advice whether it’s asked for or not.

I try to hold my tongue around family members. I feel they are forced to put up with me and I want to make it as easy as I can on them. But friends, coworkers and anyone else within hearing distance are on their own. If they choose, they can run away. Many do. That’s okay. Less birthday presents I have to buy.

Now that I’ve introduced myself and my blog I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you’d like to follow the crone and share my words of wisdom. I don’t force my opinions on anyone. I don’t ask that you agree with me. In fact, I often play devils advocate and my musings are sometimes thinly veiled sarcasm.

Open debate and civil disagreement is welcome in the comment section. No personal attacks allowed. If you have any intelligence at all, you can state your opinion without acting like a 3 year old who has expanded his vocabulary by hanging out with Dad on a DIY project.