Whew! I've got a lot of thoughts about this thread; took me awhile to get them sorted; even now I am not sure they are!

I think it was Mortee said women of our generation were raised to believe we have to be the perfect mom, housewife, hostess, etc. Men, of course, were raised with all kinds of stupid strictures, too.

I am so grateful to both of my parents because they took time for so much of *picking daisies* with us. Hardly a Sunday went by that we didn't go for a picnic and drive, making it a point to get far away from people and exploring nature in all of her Colorado and Wyoming beauty.:-) There was always time for music, a good book, or other activities, too. I think the greatest loss to our generation and those coming up is time, just the time to do nothing or anything. Ever notice how many times someone says, "Not now, I don't have time?" It is tragic.

I never accepted the tenets of society, as a consequence my kids haven't either. They are doing a better job of being secure, financially, than I did. That said, I've picked daisies all of my life and I do not regret it for one minute, though. One thing we've done because of it is develop a great faith in the Cosmic/Great Spirit to provide us with our needs through whatever channels we choose or are guided to. Even with that faith it has been scary at times. But, our lives have been very prosperous in ways which to us are much more important than money. We've always been able to take care of our basic needs and a little more (composer brother, etc.) Picking daisies has left us with no apparent material wealth and no IRA's in the bank etc., but we also have no doubt that we will always be able to make our way.

I guess what I am trying to say is picking daisies, to me, is not just stopping to appreciate and experience nature, but also to fly in the face of convention and live differently, which can seem a little dangerous or stupid at times, but always works out, as long as we *listen* to our hearts.

One way of always ensuring I don't forget those daisies is to greet the day, standing and facing the East, actually *reading* the sky, like an old farmer (*bg*), smelling the air, listening for and hearing the birds, wind, and other critters an dgiving thanks for it all. It is a great way to start a day, no matter where you are. It also makes picking daisies throughout the day, easier.

Pick Daisies First - All Else Follows!!

Great Thread, Noreen! I am not sure any of the above is coherent, but I do have a lot of experience in helping women who are going through the realisation that they are a person along with being a mom, partner, etc. and helping them get started on being their own person, again, esp. in exploring what it is they want to do or change. I've got lots of ideas, background and information. It has all come to me by way of wisewimmin who went before me or are going beside me and it includes dear male friends, too. We can all help each other to notice the daisies in our lives and in the changes which come about, even if they seem frightening at the moment.

Thanks, darlin',

luvyakat