A Rose Is A Rose...

Found this as I was cruising and thought I should share. I've shared it on another blog I do and had to put it here. I would love to find out who wrote it so I could credit them appropriately. If anyone knows, let me know!

Not "Just a Mom" By Author Unknown

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a...

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation... 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know... The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ballpoint pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother." Motherhood...What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants". No matter what it is you do, never under-sell or underestimate yourself.

Enjoy your day, your week and your lives.

Dream On!

db

DreamSpace Arts, a voice in the silence

When I created DreamSpace Arts, I admit I was playing really small. I wanted it to grow up to be a gallery for my artwork someday (since I couldn't seem to get my art into any of the local places at the time). But something happened. While I was playing at being an artist, I was given a much bigger vision. Here's what I'm up for.....

Let me give you a little history, first, though.

I am familiar with several people who have lived in virtual silence for the last many years, squelched by others' ideas and criticisms; victims of domestic violence who have been beaten into submission, adults who have been raised with parental disapproval and worse, children who have been the subject of adult indiscretions. These people all have found their voices for the first time in an expression called art. Through art therapy, they've been able to work out the guilt and anger and fear.

I am not an art therapist, I do not have the credentials, but what I can provide is a medium for self-expression without judgment, without penalty that in itself is freeing and powerful.

My vision is for DreamSpace Arts to someday be a worldwide organization staffed with art instructors, healers, and others who are as dedicated to finding those lost voices as I am.

Anyone who would like to help is welcome to contact me. I know I will not be able to do this alone.

Dream On!

db