Whew. What a week. And not just because I riled up the internet. There’s lots of big projects happening on the homestead and lots of preparing for the Edel Gathering. I did a test run of my talk for some friends and discovered that an hour is a lot longer than I thought it was. Ahem. So, this morning I’ll be adding to my talk. And sorry in advance that there’ll be lots of Edel on social media for the next week. I’m just beyond excited about it. And if you’ll be there, please leave a comment so I know to look for you! I can’t wait to connect with my amazing readers and beloved fellow blogging gals.
When did Baby Gwen suddenly become one of the gang? It’s such a joy to see her chasing the big kids and all the fun they have.
I guess this means I have to start putting shoes on her when we go out….
Around Carrots:
A clarification: I think it was clear in the post, but I want to say it again.
“There’s a whole movement promoting child-free spaces. I’m not talking about couples who choose not to have children. That’s a separate matter and it’s not any of my business. What I’m talking about is widespread and accepted discrimination against children.”
My post was absolutely not about couples who choose not to have children. Nor do I think those couples are selfish or hate children. All the couples I know who have chosen not to have kids are wonderful people. Not only are they not selfish, they are committed to serving others. And they are also very involved in the lives of children, be it extended family members or careers in education. So even if I think they would make amazing parents, which they would, it isn’t any of my business and I respect them.
What I was talking about hatred toward children and family and the idea that bringing children into public spaces is “forcing them upon” other people who shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the sight, sound, or behavior of kids and the claim that the very existence of families is disgusting. I had a sense of this sentiment before I wrote the post, but the response I got from the post and the anti-child forums in which it was posted brought to light a level of hatred and perversion that I had no idea existed. I won’t link to any of it, because the poor logic and immaturity isn’t worth your time and I didn’t approve comments composed of primarily offensive language, wishing death on children and families, etc., because they don’t deserve to see the light of day. But the hate speech is truly appalling and these people need our prayers.
Here a couple of follow up pieces that are worth reading, though:
In Which I Admit I Don’t Like Everyone: Molly Makes Do
“To use derogatory terms about a person is not charitable; whether that person is a two year old or a grown man in a wheelchair. To disrespect a person who cares for a child, the elderly, the disabled, etc. is not charitable. To wish a person harm because they happen to be under the age of eighteen. To presume that your space, your needs and your comfort always trump the rest of the world is not charitable.”
An open letter to Americans about kids: A Drop in the Ocean
“Just because you don’t have good experiences with kids doesn’t mean you can make sweeping generalizations about them. Hating kids doesn’t say anything about them, but it says a lot about you.”
On a lighter note, I kept the black Stitch Fix dress. But help me decide whether to wear the yellow necklace with it. I think the yellow shoes need some kind of yellow tie-in, but some of you fashionable ladies said the dress doesn’t need it. Help a sister out and chime in!
I am loving your Ask Me Anythings from last week’s TWM. I’m gonna try to post the first vlog answering them next week unless life takes a crazy turn (which it almost inevitably does, amirite?!).
Oh! And my sister-in-law just started selling beautiful Chloe and Isabel jewelry, so check it out!
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Lots of love,
Haley
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I’ll be at Edel! Let’s chat front yard gardens?… in all your spare time 😉
I’ll be at Edel!! And my family and I are in the process of selling our suburban home and moving to a homestead, homesteading rocks!! 🙂
I shared your child-free spaces post because I agree with you, and the comments on my Facebook post were thoughtful even if they didn’t agree.
As for the necklace — the dress is great, and that necklace was too large and overpowered the cute detail on the neckline. That dress calls for a shorter necklace — perhaps a choker or a necklace with a demure yellow pendant or locket.
Here are some more understated options for yellow jewelry, most by a Florida artisan whom I patronize for gifts as well as my own (inexpensive and unique)accessories:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/152009365/tiny-lemon-earrings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/157122534/lemon-meringue-ornate-lightweight
https://www.etsy.com/listing/164759748/golden-harvest-seashell-pieces-on
https://www.etsy.com/listing/193346653/sun-ripened-4-in-1-interchangeable
No necklace! The top of the dress is so great. And the shoes don’t need any coordinating yellow, they’ll pop more by themselves!
I’d do an awesome earring or bracelet, the neckline on the dress is great on it’s own!
I think it’d look boss with a big yellow bangle. I’m sure you can find one at a teeny bopper shop for cheap!
I can’t wait to hear your talk and meet you at Edel! I’m behind on my feed so I haven’t read your “controversial” post yet but will be soon. It’s funny, I didn’t realize people even had such strong opinions against children until recently. Like you said it’s good to remember to keep everyone in our prayers.
Haley, I love your approach to blogging and the respectful, confident way you approach the negativity on the Internet. Less secure bloggers often engage the negativity and I’ve never seen that go well for anyone – there is too much snark out there for one person.
I really had no idea that sort of anti-child culture exists, or that anti-child spaces exist either. Thank you for clarifying, because, frankly, I lacked the frame of reference to really understand your post. I engage with people who might joke about kids being annoying, or who think that expanding the US population is a bad idea for the environment, but I really cannot say that I know anyone who is anti-child.
Keep rockin it, girl, I love reading you!
Also, it’s amazing how much Gwen has grown. Just amazing!
Wish I were going to Edel! Have a wonderful time.
I just wanted to say thank you for taking a stand on the beauty, joy and blessings that children are. I had no idea how opposed people were going to be about what you’ve been saying. So thanks for being FOR kids and sharing your spot on thoughts with others! The way you handle criticisms whether respectful or otherwise is encouraging. It inspires me to want respond to those who disagree with me in the same way… with the maturity and respect that you have shown. You’re great Haley!
You’re right, the dress needs another bit of yellow. I think the other commenters were right on target with a yellow bangle bracelet or small yellow earrings. The necklace is too chunky.
With that kind of response you have to know that you are making a real difference in the world. Just keep writing from your heart.
Katherine
Maybe the incident with the child-haters is the material for your hour-long talk. Sounds to me like an experience with huge impact.
Good Luck! Saying a prayer for you!
I firmly believe believe that most of the hatred for children in today’s society stems from the prince of this world. The Bible says that we all – whether we know it or not – serve a master. Children bear a special image of and receive a special love of our God and therefore, the enemy has a special hatred and desire to destroy them.
I will be at Edel too! We can change about babies that grow up too fast 🙂 my first is 18 months and is running around like crazy getting into mischief and throwing tantrums! definitely a toddler 🙂
I’d say no to the yellow necklace, because it clashes with the lovely lacy neckline of the dress. What about yellow earrings, and maybe even a yellow ribbon “sash” loosely tied at the waist?
I’ll be at Edel! I have yet to figure out what I’m wearing, so you’re way ahead of me on that front. I’m so excited to be there, though.
And I loved your post about children. I agree wholeheartedly with you on that one 🙂 I’m sorry you got some hating sent your way because of it.
I wish I was going to be at Edel; it would be a pleasure to meet you after being so encouraged and entertained by your blog over the last year!
I would go without a necklace with the dress, and I really don’t think you need anything else yellow. A simple gold bracelet or headband might be nice though. You’ll look lovely however you choose to accessorize.
I hope you have a wonderful time, and good luck with your talk!
I loved your post on kids. I’m sorry there’s so much hate out there. Wow! It’s just so much energy. Why put it in that direction??
I love the dress, and definitely vote no necklace – it distracts from the lovely detail on the top. If you happen upon some yellow earrings or a bangle, go for it. But leave that neckline alone 🙂 So pretty! Have a great time.
The yellow necklace distracts from the lovely lacy neckline of the black dress. Pick up the yellow with fancy yellow or gold drop earrings! (That doesn’t have to mean expensive!)
A less talented writer,like myself, would just add a bunch of long quotes to add time to a speech.
Thanks for letting me answer the OT question the other day.
The Edel gathering looks like a lot of fun, wish I could be there. Love Edel Quinn!
Have fun:)
A tie in for the shoes could be a scarf with yellow around your wrist? Agreed that you should not wear a necklace unless it is a chain cross or something.
Alternatively a yellow waist belt or a brooch.
I think I’ve only commented once before, but I had to this time because I’ll also be at Edel, and I’m really looking forward to your talk!
Plus, I agree about the no yellow necklace line of thought. I love scarves, so I’m going to suggest a yellow one of those, maybe as a belt. That would be cute! 🙂