i have a great affection for babies and teens
awkward and gawky and working so hard to be independent
saw this group performing at a local small town event
song full of angst and sass, just wanting to be left alone to party.
what being a teenager is all about
trying on all the faces and seeing what fits
some things never change just appear in a different form.
—
“foolishness, radicalism, morbidity are marks of promising youth, the obvious signs of inward ferment. the melancholy pose, the affectation of pessimism and cynicism, the sentimentality, the conviction of genius, that many of us deplore or deride in certain young people, may be as natural to their age and disposition as the sense of immortality of which Hazlitt writes so feelingly in one of his essays. we should rejoice to find them. they are among the indications of spiritual growth.”
~Robert M. Gay, “As I Laye A-Thynkynge,” The Atlantic Monthly, January 1917
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
“If things don’t change, they shall remain the same!” … (I was 17)
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yes!
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I have never had my own children, but I have been a step-dad to four, for a very long time. They are all now in their 30s, some with children of their own. So I do get it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m quite sure you do )
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Neither of my two kids have any kids. But it would have been nice revenge if they did. ;)
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poetic justice -)
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Teenage is a difficult time for everyone
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it really is,and no way around it, you have to go through it
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Oh yes very true.
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I still like watching teen movies when they show up again on my TV choices, Beth.
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same!
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We all been there. It was a confusing time.
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it certainly was –
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Absolutely! I completely agree with the quoted excerpt. It beautifully captures the essence of youth and the natural progression of growth. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking passage.
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I remember my own and I remember my kids’ travails. Tough times, but mostly fun. We were lucky.
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yes, I agree. and as I told my daughters, ‘we are all still alive.’ and that is something –
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I struggled to find myself in those teenage years, so I find inspiration from teens who are out there embracing life and going for it, whatever their pursuits.
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I totally agree with you and understand them on a personal level
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Being GRANDMA is my favorite job!
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it’s such a good one –
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Revenge was sweet for awhile until our children realized my wife and I could be suckered into raising grandchildren
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right! that twist!
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…”trying on all the faces to see what fits”…oh my goodness, Beth. Yes! 🥰
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they just throw it all out there
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I love it! 🥰
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Stopping points are far apart…have to try a lot of things to build a person.
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that’s right –
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😊
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Love this, as I watch my son dealing with the imminent departure of his daughter, off to college.
“angst and sass” — Perfect description!!
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we all remember -)
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Trying it on and seeing what fits – that rings so true, Beth!
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kind of what we all do as we move through the stages of life
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Only after we are well out of their teenage years, can we appreciate what they (like we did) are trying to be. I love the quote. It is perfect.
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spot on, dale.
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😊 I must have experienced it ;-)
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no!
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Hahaha!
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My oldest grandchild is 13 and I wouldn’t want to go through the teenage years as a mom again. However, seeing how successful my kids are now made it all worth it!
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you’re so right
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My mother told my brother “may you have one just like you,” and he did…
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hahahaha….
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Two of my four have gone beyond their teens now, guess it’ll be great grandkids next!
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I have never seen this expressed so elegantly; well said, Beth :)
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thank you -)
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Ah, this hits home. I seem to see far more in my grandchildren than their parents (my children) do. I suppose the same thing happened when I was a child. Thanks for the big smiles, Beth.
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yes, I’m sure you’re right, Jennie)
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😀
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