Adorable Little Stars........#NotThemToo

Hi!

Eight years ago, when I was writing my first book for munchkins, "Lexi's Magic Clothes," the very thought that moments like this were ever likely to happen seemed an impossible dream.

The idea that parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings could, someday, sit alongside their little ones with one of my books at hand, reading the words I put to page brought tears to my eyes.

Over the years, I've received messages and emails with stories of giggles, and bedtimes, and have had the privilege to hear some of these stories in person at different events.

When I received this video message and hit play, this adorable little star reading "Tags Go In The Back" completely melted my heart. The tears that once came at the idea, fell freely.

After 8 years of hearing and reading the sweet giggle stories, watching it, somehow, made it real. Really real.

To a tiny star's parents, thank you for allowing me to share this. Thank you to all of the parents and caretakers of every tiny star who take the time to share their giggle moments with me. I absolutely love and cherish them all.


*********************************************************


#MeToo


This is a subject that hits home for me, as it does for almost every female. As a Mom of four grown daughters, who have each, in their own lives, had their own experiences, I'm finding myself becoming increasingly frustrated and disappointed at the utter lack of progress reached in the past 30 some odd years.

It's sad and, sadly ridiculous.

I realize evolution, even societal evolution is slow, but come on!

There are some, and I do emphasize some, men out there who seem confused and nervous about what the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements mean.

To them, I say this.....

This isn't scary. This isn't confusing.

In the workplace, treat and talk to your female co-workers, employees, and/or bosses like people. In other words, don't be an ass, and for God's sake, remember the rules from preschool, and keep your hands to yourself. Oh, and your smarmy looks and comments, keep those little voices to yourself. Oh, and your lips, keep your lips to yourself. Oh, and your penis, yeah, keep your penis to yourself. Yeah, other than a handshake or to perform the Heimlich maneuver, there's really no real reason to touch a co-worker. It's pretty simple, and not at all frightening.

In social situations, treat females like people. In other words, don't be an ass. Don't rape us, drug us, rub up against us, rub yourself in front of us, or show us your junk, photographically or in person, without a clear invitation to do so. And no, it makes no difference if we are wearing a low cut shirt and a miniskirt, or a bathing suit, or whatever the hell else we might be wearing.

If you're relying on your skills as a mind reader for consent, use actual words. Remember, every female is somebody's daughter/sister/daughter/niece. Don't be the guy that you would want to protect your sister from. Not confusing, not frightening.

Let's get to the place where we, as females, can quit inventing counterfeit boyfriends or pretending to be gay because you can't handle the fact that we aren't romantically interested in you/don't want to dance/don't want you to buy us a drink.

Let's get to a place where we, as females don't need to cover our drinks in every public place for fear of being drugged.

Let's get to a place where we can walk around, alone, when it's dark.

Let's get to a place where we don't have be on guard...all...the...damn...time.

Let's get to a place where adorable little stars will be allowed to shine without fear.

And......let's hurry it up. Before my granddaughters have to deal with this crap would be nice. #NotThemToo


********************************************************


With adorable little stars in mind........



May you, tiny star, shine gloriously, your mother's fears, ancient history.
May you find the reasons behind her concern an absurd and crazy mystery.

May you never feel the heated, menacing breath of unwanted attention.
May you soar without hindrance, without ceilings, without oppressive tension.

May you dance with utter abandon, as leering eyes no longer exist.
May you never be robbed of your consent, for anything, not a touch, not a kiss.



www.margyreidbooks.com