Wednesday, October 7, 2015

IWSG: Oops Mom's Done it Again


                                                                       
 


It's time for another monthly meeting with Alex J. Cavanaugh's  Insecure Writer's Support Group, where writer's unleash their inner fears about everything from publishing problems to meddling moms.

Shortly after I began writing for a local online news website, some of my friends and family congratulated me. My mom said she was proud and excited for me, but I could tell that something else was on her mind. When I asked what was bothering her she replied, "Don't your blogging friends miss your stories about me?"

Here's what happened a few days later during a phone conversation:

ENI:  Mom, I just wanted you to know that I have a phone interview in a few minutes, so if you need to call me back, please wait at least an hour.

Mom: What if it's important?

ENI:  Is there anything important that you'd like to discuss now?

Mom:  I can't think of anything.

ENI:  Okay, then if you think of something else, just hold onto that thought for an hour until I'm done.

She agreed, and called me back fifteen minutes later during the interview to tell me about a great new movie.

Another instance occurred when Mom called while I was on the other line with a friend. I told her that I would call her back soon. Twenty minutes later, she was slightly agitated that I hadn't returned her call. I explained that I was still talking to my friend.

Mom took it well, and said, "I'm sorry that I'm only your mother and you can't find time to even talk to me on the phone. I'm sorry to bother you. I'll be fine. Goodbye."

Recently, I was out with my mom, and I checked my phone for messages. I immediately responded by emailing my editor, and followed-up with a call to the city manager's office.

My mom sat waiting with a drink and a snack while I finished my brief phone call. Then she said, "Why did you have to get back to them right away? Why are you such a pushover? I don't know why you let people take advantage of you like that."


64 comments:

  1. LOL - tell your mum yes, we miss hearing stories about her ;) Sometimes I wonder if it's not better to just not tell her when you are not available and hope for the best.

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  2. Your mom is a great source of stories and we do miss hearing about her. BTW, you are the best and most patient daughter ever,

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  3. Yes, we miss hearing about your mom. But great you got this writing job. Hope you can find time to blog a bit too.

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  4. Clearly your Mom understands that she is a blogosphere legend.

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  5. lol sounds like she sure wants her stories to keep being told too

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  6. Hi, Julie! I'm happy to see you again. How've you been? I always know I'm in deep trouble with Mrs. Shady or any other woman when they drop the "F" bomb and tell me they are "fine." :) "Fine" is code for "prepare for hours of passive-aggressive pouting." :)

    I enjoyed these examples of how your mom feels like she is taking a back seat to your career. I think you have the makings of a TV sitcom!

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  7. Oh goodness, she's pretty funny and I agree, sitcom material.

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  8. Rhonda - I'm sure I'll get in trouble anyway, but it might be worth a try. Hope your dad is doing ok. Thanks Rhonda!

    Lux - She sure is! Thanks Lux!

    Arleen - I really wish that I was more patient. Thanks for the kind words, Arleen!

    Natalie - Finding time to blog has been a problem for me. I really miss keeping in touch with everyone. I admire bloggers like you who are able to multi-task so well. Thank you so much, Natalie!

    Debra - Oh, she will definitely love hearing that! It's great seeing you, Debra! Thank you!

    Julie

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  9. Somehow time and things of importance are different when you're 5 and 85. It's those years in between that we worry about keeping those straight. Great comedy, this life.

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  10. Pat - Thank goodness my mom hasn't lost her sense of humor! Thanks Pat!

    Shady - Great line about the "F-Bomb!" Yes, the word FINE is always a sign of trouble ahead! I would love to write a sitcom one day. Haha! Thanks Shady!

    TBM - My mom also keeps everyone in stitches at the retirement home, which is not easy considering that most of the residents can't hear. Thanks TBM!

    Lee - Very eloquently said, Lee. I know that you still haven't gotten over losing your mom. Though I often joke about these things, I do realize how lucky I am.

    Julie


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  11. very funny and yes I enjoy your mom stories. Perhaps she needs her own direct line - rather like the "Bat Phone". Too funny and you are a good patient daughter.

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  12. Oh the irony! Too bad you didn't record all of those conversations so you could play them back for her.

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  13. Joanne - Oh, she would love having a red hot "Bat Phone!" Great idea! Thanks so much, Joanne!

    Alex - She still laughed when I read the story to her, but a recording would've been even better! Thanks for hosting another great IWSG, Alex!

    Julie

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  14. "She took it well." Great line, Julie. In between posts about your Mom, I do miss her.

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  15. Parents- Wouldn't be here without them, and sometimes that seems like a fair trade.

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  16. You'll miss all that craziness if you ever lose her. Enjoy the time, and look forward to the day you can do the same to others! ;-)

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  17. Your mom is a source of great humor and great love. All of that shines through in your stories.

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  18. Yes, mine used to be same...now I miss her :(

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  19. I do miss hearing about her and this was lots of fun as always. She is a treasure. :)

    I hope you are enjoying working for the website, Julie. So awesome!!

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  20. LOL! Your mom gives you great stories to write about.

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  21. Robyn - You are the Queen of one-liners, Robyn! My mom will be thrilled to know she is missed! Thank you!

    Ryan - You really hit the nail on the head! Thanks Ryan!

    Sylvia - I'm very fortunate that my sons don't hold grudges! Yes, I know how lucky I am to have my mom. Thanks Sylvia!

    Carol - Thank you for the wonderful compliment! My stories about her are written with love, and I always read them to her before I post them.

    Olivia - I'm so sorry that you lost your mom. I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. Thank you, Olivia.

    Julie - My mom will love that you called her "a treasure!" It took awhile for me to learn AP style writing, and I'm still learning, but I do enjoy it. Thanks so much, Julie!

    Shelly - My mom is definitely my muse! Thank you, Shelly!

    Julie

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  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  23. It is wonderful your mom is such an inspiration to you, Enjoy the stories,
    Juneta Writer's Gambit

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  24. It's always great to see you pop up in the blogosphere, AND about your mom at that. So, the rest of us are dying to know... what was the movie? And was it truly great?

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  25. You write these up well. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Juneta - She really is an inspiration! Thanks Juneta!

    Beer Boys - It's great to see you too! I don't know how you guys manage to write great books, entertaining animated blogs, and thoughtful comments to your devoted readers while keeping your wives and pets happy. As for the movie, Phoenix is a foreign film about a concentration camp survivor who had plastic surgery to disguise her identity. My mom's friend raved about it, and it got excellent reviews. I would like to see it, but I'm not sure if it's still playing. Thanks Bryan and Brandon!

    Ivy - Thanks Ivy! I'll check in on what's cooking at your place soon!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. I stopped back into see what you've been up to. Hope all is well on your end.

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    2. Ivy - It's great to see you again! Everything is fine here. I just wish I had more time to visit. I'll stop over to see what spooky treats you have in store. Happy Halloween, Ivy!

      Julie

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  27. Hi Julie - I just hope your Mum never stops doing it again .. she really is a classic! Fabulous stories ... my Ma would have loved hearing these tales ... you simply can't tell them - they'll do their thing .. but so be it. Just such fun to read - thanks for relaying them on to us! Cheers Hilary

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  28. Your mother is certainly a character, great post.
    Yvonne.

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  29. Your mom is a gem. I'm glad to hear she "took it well." HA! :-)

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  30. Hilary - It's always so nice to hear from you, Hilary! Sorry I've fallen so far behind on catching up on your blogs. I have a feeling that your ma and my mom would've really hit it off! Thank you, Hilary!

    Yvonne - Yes, she is quite a character! Thanks Yvonne!

    Daisy - My mom will love being called a gem! She is a rare treasure! I'll try to catch up on some of your poems this weekend! Thanks Daisy!

    Julie

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  31. HA!-HA!
    GEM JULIE, how do you spell yer Ma's name?
    Don't tell me! Let me guess...

    "C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R" ...?

    That's no insult, I assure you. Much of my family is comprised of "characters". In fact, in my family, I'm probably only the 4th "charactery" person. What does THAT tell ya? In my family, 3 persons are bigger "characters" than I am! Is THAT a scary thought, or what? (Who needs Halloween with a thought like THAT?!)

    Great blog bit, G.J.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Stephen - It was a story about your Ma, a truly fabulous character who brought us together! We both were raised by a couple of tough moms. I know how hard it was for you to lose yours, and I know I'll never be the same when that day comes. I would love to learn more about the other characters in your family.
      Thanks Stevereno!

      Julie

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    2. GEM JULIE ~
      Was it a story about my Ma that brought us together? Gee... I didn't remember that. But now that you mention it, I think it had to do with a comment I left on SUSKI's blog. The same one that won me a copy of your book. (Dat right?) I can't even remember what I wrote...

      Oh, wait! I think I mentioned my Ma going after my Brother with his own crutch while he had a broken leg. That was part of it, anyway, methinks.

      Top characters in my family:
      My maternal Grandpa
      My Ma
      My Brother

      I come in 4th. There was a time when I thought I was 3rd and my Brother was 4th, but in recent years he's proven to be an even bigger character than I am.

      Love ya, Julie!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      POSTSCRIPT:
      >>... "We both were raised by a couple of tough moms."

      Actually, our Moms may have been pikers in the "Tough" department. Last week I was yakking with the woman who manages the property where I live. She was raised by her grandma. She told me that once, when she was in high school, she asked her grandma if she could get a belly-button ring, and her grandma grounded her for a week.

      ME: "She grounded you just for ASKING?"
      HER: "Yeah. Just for asking."

      Dang! Now THAT'S tough!!!

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  32. Your Mom sure knows what she wants :))

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  33. Stephen - You gave us not one, but two of your ma's greatest hits. Yes, she did rightfully assault your brother with his own crutch, but the first story was truly heartwarming. It was when Ma defended one-handed Angels pitcher Jim Abbott when a heckler said, "Give him a hand" during the game. Both award winning stories were featured on "SUSKI's" 9/5/14 blog. I also provided a link to them on my blog.

    Great story about the property manager's grandma. Like Barney Fife used to say, "Ya gotta nip it in the bud!"

    Thanks Stevereno and Love ya too!

    Blue Grumpster - You are absolutely right! Pity the fool who tries to mess with my mom! Thanks Blue!

    Julie

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  34. HA! Your Barney Fife reference cracked me up, JULIE!

    ~ D-FensDogG

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  35. Hi Julie,

    I have a hunch your mum wants to take over that local online news website. Along with you finding enough time to continue writing about her on here :)

    Nice one, Julie.

    Gary

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  36. Dear Julie,

    Thank you so much for your comment on my blog. Your words meant so much to me. Like all of us, I go through good and bad times. This is a difficult time for me and your comment lifted me up and when I read them it was definitely the best, most positive moments of my day (probably week/month). Thank you so much. Kindnesses are remembered forever. Bless you, dear Julie.

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  37. Your mum definitely has a firm idea of what she wants you to do and what not!

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  38. Stephen - No one will ever take his place. Thanks Stephen!

    Gary - When she starts to remember the name of the website, and my blog, then I'll know I'm in trouble! Haha! Thanks Gary!

    Arleen - You always write the nicest comments and have been extremely supportive every step of the way with me. I should be thanking YOU! I'm sorry that you are going through a difficult time right now. If you ever feel like talking, I'm only an email away. Take care of yourself, Arleen. I'll be sending lots of good thoughts your way.

    Olivia - Have you two met? You've described her perfectly. Thanks Olivia!

    Julie

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  39. I love mom stories!
    I can't wait for my kids to have some of their own about me.
    Except...I'm not a mom.
    So, there's that.

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  40. You're writing for a local online news website? Congrats Julie! Awesome! They are lucky to have you!
    Your mum is priceless! I'm sure she provides lots of story ideas, so there's no chance of her being left out of anything. I'm sure her influence filters through in your writing, even if you don't actually mention her...

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  41. Al - I would love to hear their stories about you! I'm sure they would be somewhere in between Father Knows Best, and Shameless!

    Michelle - Thank you so much, Michelle! It's really been keeping me busy, so I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I really admire how much you've accomplished through working, blogging and actively supporting the IWSG! I agree that my mom is "priceless." Thanks again!

    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Just popping in to say hello!
      I'm also very busy, so I understand. No worries.
      Hope you're well Julie... and enjoying the writing gig with your local news website!

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    2. Hi Michelle,

      I am enjoying it, but wish I was a better multi-tasker like you!

      I'll visit soon.

      Thanks,

      Julie

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  42. Your mom is right. We always miss hearing from you, but we especially miss your fabulous mom stories. Truth is better than fiction! Maybe you should write a book of your mom stories?

    Oh, and by the way, you should know better by now: the ONLY person who is permitted to "take advantage" of you is your mom. Anyone else tries, and she's scratch their eyes out. (But only if it doesn't mess up her manicure...)

    Great post, kiddo.

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  43. Congratulations that you are writing for the local news! Awesome news!

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  44. Susan - Truer words were never spoken! You always crack me up! Thanks Susan!

    Olivia - I've really learned a lot these last few months! Thank you so much, Olivia!

    Julie

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  45. We should treasure our mothers when they are with us. I'd love to still get calls from my mother. I sometimes hesitate in calling my own kids for fear that I might be a nuisance to them. I hope that's not the case.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Lee - I agree that it's important to treasure the time with our mothers, and I know how hard it was for you to lose your mom. My mom knows that this is all in fun, and I'm sure your kids would never think you were being a nuisance.

      Julie

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  46. Hilarious...I think you have a great stand-up routine there. I can picture the whole scenario. Great to read a post that makes you laugh out loud! I love your humor and your mother sounds like a hoot!

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    1. Terry - Thanks for the kind words! My mom is a "hoot," and she comes up with the best lines when I least expect them! Thanks for making my week, Terry!

      Julie

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  47. It's hard for seniors whom we feel have all the time in the world because they're retired while we balance work, housework, friends etc. But, parents do expect quick turn around that's just how it is.

    Sandy at Bridge and Beyond

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sandy,

      I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner. Where has this month gone?

      You're right about how many seniors feel that way. I wish I had more patience, and can only imagine what I'll be like when I'm older. Thanks Sandy!

      Julie

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