"So, this is why women who are childless, childfree, or making unlikely families are stigmatized as immature or selfish: it’s not that they’re not capable of sacrificial love but rather their love isn’t as easily understood and, therefore, capable of being controlled."
I've noticed that the more I complete the traditional milestones of femininity (dating, engaged, married) the more certain people try to control me.
Incredible source of information! I sure agree with Erin's remark at the end of this interview with Courtney, "You ask the best questions." You and Erin also prescribe a huge amount of reading. So, inspired by "Meaning beyond motherhood", I ordered Erin Lane's "Someone Other than a Mother", subscribed to her newsletter, and read her interview with Sarah Sentiles, all powerhouse conversationalists like Courtney. Then there's Sarah's book," Stranger Care" that's irresistible! How could one not read a book that's strongly recommended, in the blurbs, by some of my favorite authors: Emily Black, Lacy Johnson, Laurie Frankel, Piper Kerman and, naturally, the renowned Cheryl Strayed. My only objections are, first, that Emily Black praised Sarah's as "the only book about parenting that I would recommend to anyone." I beg to differ: Courtney's book on parenting must be reread and reread by everyone as well. The other objection is that while all of these sources, books and newsletters, provide endless stimulation, they also break my budget. So I'm gifting the choice selections to Sharron next week for our 61st wedding anniversary. I've previously joined others in expressing terror over Roe, so I hope that this fear that Sarah and others express can turn into constructive action! Because, as Erin says, the implications of Alito's brief, are, for many reasons, "hurting us all". I'm truly grateful for Erin's insights in this respect, and now eager to read her book. DD
It’s so exciting to find a community interested in the wellness of more than just our own children. “Our people” should extend beyond our families--that was a takeaway for me.
Holy shit. So much to quote.
I just love, love, love your introduction of her. Wow. What a statement.
"to arrange our lives in such a way that we intimately know our neighbors and consider them our people." This speaks to me so much.
The intertwining and inextricability of being a "good mother" and being a "good neighbor". Yesssss!!!!
Thank you so much for this post.
I loved this so much. This bit hit me super hard!
"So, this is why women who are childless, childfree, or making unlikely families are stigmatized as immature or selfish: it’s not that they’re not capable of sacrificial love but rather their love isn’t as easily understood and, therefore, capable of being controlled."
I've noticed that the more I complete the traditional milestones of femininity (dating, engaged, married) the more certain people try to control me.
Thank you for sharing!
This is such a fabulous conversation. You do the whole mom thing quite well btw. You make me a better elder Jane
This was astoundingly good -- thank you, Courtney, for introducing me to Erin, and thank you, Erin, for your incredible work. Wow wow wow.
Incredible source of information! I sure agree with Erin's remark at the end of this interview with Courtney, "You ask the best questions." You and Erin also prescribe a huge amount of reading. So, inspired by "Meaning beyond motherhood", I ordered Erin Lane's "Someone Other than a Mother", subscribed to her newsletter, and read her interview with Sarah Sentiles, all powerhouse conversationalists like Courtney. Then there's Sarah's book," Stranger Care" that's irresistible! How could one not read a book that's strongly recommended, in the blurbs, by some of my favorite authors: Emily Black, Lacy Johnson, Laurie Frankel, Piper Kerman and, naturally, the renowned Cheryl Strayed. My only objections are, first, that Emily Black praised Sarah's as "the only book about parenting that I would recommend to anyone." I beg to differ: Courtney's book on parenting must be reread and reread by everyone as well. The other objection is that while all of these sources, books and newsletters, provide endless stimulation, they also break my budget. So I'm gifting the choice selections to Sharron next week for our 61st wedding anniversary. I've previously joined others in expressing terror over Roe, so I hope that this fear that Sarah and others express can turn into constructive action! Because, as Erin says, the implications of Alito's brief, are, for many reasons, "hurting us all". I'm truly grateful for Erin's insights in this respect, and now eager to read her book. DD
It’s so exciting to find a community interested in the wellness of more than just our own children. “Our people” should extend beyond our families--that was a takeaway for me.