So, now I’m working almost daily with TWO men, as if one weren’t enough!!! It’s so interesting how men and women approach just about everything differently. The men in my life seem to need to prove their superior knowledge of everything on a regular basis, which leads me to feel that they think I’m inept. Even the things that I clearly know more about because of my years of research and experimentation are not safe from their unsolicited opinions!
I’m the one who is wrong. It’s cultural, genetic, been going on for thousands of years. Women who have chosen to live with men historically have counted on men to lead the way. Don’t shoot me, I can already feel my friends and sisters blood pressure rise over cyberspace!!! I’ll always remember my Mom saying, “follow your man”, well I did and it didn’t go so well in my distant past.
I’m convinced that it’s not me they are trying to prove anything to – it’s themselves. Constantly checking and re-checking that they are still at the top of their game. Women don’t seem to have a need to prove themselves in the same way. We could theorize for the rest of history as to why, but does it really matter? Historically we busy ourselves and challenge ourselves to look good till the end of time, trying to prove (to whom?) that we’re still beautiful, attractive, valuable, as if all that is really determined by how wrinkled our skin is or how many gray hairs we cover, but of course, one could also say, it’s genetic, historical, it’s our culture. The older I get, the farther away I feel from those air-brushed beauties at the check out counter, smiling at me from their perfect magazine covers, while I place my geritol on the counter!!! The native heart in me yearns to be a part of a culture who values the wisdom of the elders and honors the wrinkled face that took years to develop, but that’s another “soap” box.
We are busily filling orders, making beer soap, and Hoppy Lips! Yesterday we made a slew of palm wax candles that filled the shop with wonderful aromas. Having help has enabled me to do laundry, go grocery shopping, wash the floor and, well, read, walk, do yoga and relax a little –
What we don't see 