Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / Monday On My Mind / Monday On My Mind

Monday On My Mind

September 28, 2020 By Carole

Recently Brené Brown dropped a podcast episode that she called On My Mind. She talked about a few things she’d been dealing with and offered some great advice and insight – as she always does. The topic got me inspired, though, to give it a try for my Monday posts.

So. This will definitely evolve over time. I may decide it doesn’t even work. But for this week . . . this Monday . . . these are some things on my mind.

Books. Of course, these are almost always on my mind since I’m a librarian. But last night Dale and I had a great conversation about books. He’s currently reading The Dutch House and I was explaining to him that it was written by the same author as Bel Canto. Remember when we read that for Book Club? And he said, nope, he hadn’t read that one yet. I’m sort of jealous that he will get to read it for the first time, it’s just so good. We also touched on: East of Eden, The Sun Also Rises, Sleeping with Pancho Villa, and the works of James Baldwin because I am currently reading Begin Again.

Flowers. My home is bursting with flowers right now. There is a vase full of dahlias from week 3 of my flower CSA. There are zinnias in the bathroom and bedroom. There is a tiny vase of dahlias from week 2 that are still alive. And in my living room there is a huge bouquet from a local florist. This one was a gift from my coworkers at the COA to say thank you . . . and goodbye. You see, as of today, I am no longer serving as COA Director. I did it for 10.5 years and that’s enough. It’s another of those things the pandemic made clear and I’m excited about the change and ready to be “nothing” but a Library Director again. There’s a pay cut that goes along with this change but you know what? Money isn’t a motivator in this situation. Satisfaction. Fulfillment. Purpose. Those are my motivators right now and I feel great about this decision.

The loss of RBG. I have a lot of thoughts about this, as I’m sure you do, too. I won’t comment on the power grab and hypocrisy that’s happening with the rush to replace her because I just . . . can’t. What I keep considering, though, is the fact that so many of us were utterly gutted by her death and I wonder why. I mean, I know she did incredible things for women . . . the right to have a credit card in our name . . . the right to have a mortgage . . . and so much more. The future of women in this country had to have been such a burden for those small but powerful shoulders to carry. It makes me realize that we (women, in particular) need a deeper bench. When a powerful man dies there are plenty of other powerful men to look to as role models. But RBG? There’s just no one to look to who can be all that she was to women in this country. I know I’m preaching to the choir here but we need to teach our daughters to be leaders. We need to recognize the unique talents that women have. We need to promote women, uphold women, and VOTE for women.

Have a good Monday, friends.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailMonday On My Mind Default ThumbnailMonday On My Mind Default ThumbnailMonday On My Mind Default ThumbnailMonday On My Mind
« Eye Candy Friday
One Little Word: September 2020 Update »

Filed Under: Monday On My Mind

Comments

  1. Kat says

    September 28, 2020 at 7:39 am

    I like this idea, Carole! Very much! I hope it does work… what a great way to inspire conversation. I too, have thought long and hard about RBG. Although, I don’t think she is a solo person, but her loss does leave a jarring hole for the coming days. There is no way around that, and I think it is up to us to raise our voices, to speak out, and yes vote. But fortunately I do think we have a deep bench. A very deep bench. But, you know women… they just quietly go about doing the work. I think we have an army of shoulders to stand on as we lift our daughters up.

  2. Kym says

    September 28, 2020 at 8:18 am

    I love hearing what’s on your mind — and I think this is a great idea you’ve got here! I also think you’re on to something with the “deep bench” thing. Because you’re right. Women ARE gutted. RBG was SUCH a presence for so many of us. A fighter, a doer, a thinker, a role model . . . just an icon. And while other women are out there – doing the work (as you know they are) – they have not reached the iconic status of RBG. (I can maybe name a few others, but not many. And not enough, for sure.) We need a deeper bench. (Also . . . Bel Canto is so good!) XO

  3. Robby says

    September 28, 2020 at 8:26 am

    I think you’re both right and wrong about the gap RBG left. She was exceptional, but there are a lot of strong, thoughtful women doing important work out there. You’re correct that there aren’t enough, and certainly not as many in powerful positions as there should be. There are two reasons, as far as I can tell. Women have many more choices in what their life looks like (and more responsibilities) with work, filling the largest part of parental roles, care giving for elders and on. We often aren’t good at respecting and supporting different choices than our own which is not helpful. Our society depends on these things, but that’s no reason these things can’t be done by both genders, and that’s slowly changing. I guess, women need to do a better job of looking at potential in ourselves and our sisters and figuring out how we can boost each other, and get men to be a part of that.

  4. Bonny says

    September 28, 2020 at 8:42 am

    On My Mind is a great idea, and I also hope it evolves and works for you. Congratulations on doing one job now! That sounds like a big improvement, pandemic or not. I’ve thought about the loss of RBG also, and while it was (and still is) very sad, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan are both quietly doing their jobs on the Supreme Court, just as Sandra Day O’Connor did. There are many stellar females serving as mayors and governors, and while sadly she is not our leader, I am continually inpressed by Angela Merkel. Hopefully we will soon have a female VP, and maybe someday it won’t matter if a position is held by a man or a woman if they both work for equality.

  5. Mary K. in Rockport says

    September 28, 2020 at 9:03 am

    Amen, Carole. RBG was an icon to even little girls.

  6. Sandy says

    September 28, 2020 at 10:41 am

    This was a fantastic post. Couldn’t agree more with your take on the loss of RBG. Thank you.

  7. Suzanne says

    September 28, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Congratulations on the one job! The loss of RBG is sad and I hope that people are learning about her and what she stood for and what she accomplished. We need more like her in the future.

  8. Becky says

    September 28, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Books! Flowers! Both wonderful things to have in your life, Carole, and on your mind. Great idea, BTW. I am still verklempt about RBG’s passing. She was so passionate about women’s rights, and equality in general, that I think we will not see another like her in my lifetime. But I like to dwell on the fact that at least I lived in the same time as she did. I feel very lucky for that. Perhaps all those little girls in “I dissent” collars will be inspired to follow her. I agree that we don’t have an apparent deep bench, but there are women who could do her work, if we could just get them on the court!

  9. Jane A. Wolfe says

    September 28, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Such a thoughtful post. We need more women in positions of leadership. I hope some of the girls growing up are inspired by the Kamala Harris, RBG, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Peloski. As Bonny wrote Kagan and Sotomayor continue to serve. We currently have a progressive female mayor who is doing a fantastic job.

  10. Vera says

    September 29, 2020 at 9:19 am

    On My Mind is a great idea Carole! Hoping it continues to work for your Monday posts. And congratulations on going down to one job! That sounds like it was the perfect thing to do. Books, Flowers, BRG – all great things.

    • Vera says

      September 29, 2020 at 9:19 am

      RBG, not BRG.

  11. Patty says

    September 29, 2020 at 10:03 am

    YES! YES! YES! And congratulations on your decision to give up the COA position. Time is #1. xo

  12. Mary says

    September 29, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    What a treat of a post, Carole – thank you! I loved that episode of Unlocking Us last week (Brené is my new crush … gosh, I’m enjoying her books, and the podcast, her playlists …) and the “on my mind” is such a great frame to share. I would love to re-read Bel Canto … it’s been so long I have only the vaguest memories and I’m sure I’d get a lot more from it now. Congratulations on your COA achievements, and retirement! … and yeah. no more words.

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

Friday Night Snacks while camping. This is shaping Friday Night Snacks while camping. This is shaping up to be a really (really) great decision. #fridaynightsnacks #itsaboutdamntime #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #huckthecamper #adventuresofdaleandcarole #campinglife #sandypondcampground #thosenapkinsthough
Now blooming in the dahlia patch, Hamilton Lillian Now blooming in the dahlia patch, Hamilton Lillian! #dahliaseason #dahlialove #hamiltonlilliandahlia #igrewitmyself #flowerfarmer #crookedbarnflowerfarm #flowersaremagical
So. We did a thing. After two years of hemming and So. We did a thing. After two years of hemming and hawing, looking at new and used campers and being very intentional with what we knew wanted, we bought ourselves a brand new 25’ camper. Let the camping adventures begin again! #campinglife #weboughtacamper #adventuresofdaleandcarole #newadventures #camperlife
Now blooming in my garden, dahlia variety number t Now blooming in my garden, dahlia variety number two, Hamilton Lillian. I’m equally obsessed! #dahliaseason #dahliaobsession #igrewitmyself #flowersaremagical #hamiltonlilliandahlia
Officially obsessed with my first dahlia! #dahlias Officially obsessed with my first dahlia! #dahlias #dahliaseason #igrewitmyself #flowerfarmer #flowersaremagical
My first ever dahlia grown from a tuber is almost My first ever dahlia grown from a tuber is almost in bloom! #dahlias #dahliabud #dahliaseason #growingdahlias #flowerfarmer #igrewitmyself #flowersaremagical
It’s the last night of vacation, I go back to wo It’s the last night of vacation, I go back to work tomorrow. It’s been fab, I must say. One week in Maine and one week at home is perfect. I read 7 books and had, well, more cocktails than that. 🤣 We’re having our usual snacks on the deck, that sterling silver canoe that I bought in Camden, ME is the star of the tray. Okay, maybe the cheese from @thelostkitchen, too, because it’s perfectly stinky and utterly delicious. Cheers to a vacation well spent! #vacationisover #cocktailhourathome #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #silvercanoe #cheesetray
Pizza Fridays have returned now that we’re home. Pizza Fridays have returned now that we’re home. My fav is margherita. I make the sauce and dough myself, the mozzarella is local and I grew the basil.  @ooni.it #margheritapizza #homemadepizza #pizzafriday #happyfriyay #imadeitmyself #localfood
It’s wonderful to be home, reunited with the cat It’s wonderful to be home, reunited with the cats and all of our own stuff, but I miss this morning wake up call from the sun. #baysidemaine #sunrise #coastofmaine #mainesunrise #sunriseovertheocean #thewaylifeshouldbe #morningview
It’s been another exceptional week on the coast It’s been another exceptional week on the coast of Maine. I feel more myself here than anywhere, listening to the sound of the ocean, inhaling the salt air, and feeling the gentle sea breezes. This week means everything to me and I’m so grateful for the privilege of spending time here. #baysidemaine #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #rechargebytheocean #coastofmaine #thewaylifeshouldbe
Watching Gaslit with a view. It’s another beauti Watching Gaslit with a view. It’s another beautiful night in Bayside. #baysidemaine #gaslitstarz #alaptopwithaview #porchsitting #coastofmaine
A donut the size of my hand! This one is called Th A donut the size of my hand! This one is called The Homer 🤣 @theonlydoughnut.belfast #theonlydoughnut #belfastmaine #thewaylifeshouldbe #donutsforbreakfast
I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine # I can’t get enough of this view. #baysidemaine #thewaylifeshouldbe #maine #theviewfromhere
Friday night snacks look better from here. And als Friday night snacks look better from here. And also, I’m not oblivious to today’s news, I’m devastated. I’m also extra grateful to (a) live in Massachusetts and (b) be privileged enough to ignore it for right now while on vacation. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #baysidemaine #cheeseandcrackers #myhappyplace
Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Friday. #oonipizzaoven @ooni.it #pizzanight #outdoorliving #margaritapizza #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyayn Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyaynight #helloweekend #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #charcuterie #outdoorliving
Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningv Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningvibes #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #fredandgeorge
Friday night is pizza night these days. And those Friday night is pizza night these days. And those napkins? They sum up the secret to our 25 (next Tuesday!) year marriage! #oonipizzaoven #fridaynightsnacks #peaceloveandcocktails
It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch un It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch under the pergola. #sundaybrunch #brunchalfresco #pergolaliving #outdoorliving #inmybackyard #juneismyfavoritemonth
My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Sti My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Still, I’m grateful to head into Memorial Day weekend focusing on the good, remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, seeking common ground and (always) looking for hope. If all that fails, at least I’ve got a martini. And snacks. #fridaynightsnacks #memorialdayweekend2022 #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in