pics on Sodahead
About five weeks ago, my mother decided to run for City Council in her town. It was definitely a last minute decision, but she leaped right in with both feet. She financed the campaign herself on a shoestring. There were yard signs, buttons, a website (which I built and maintained), and a Facebook fan page. Some kind soul donated a few T-shirts. Another donated some magnetic car signs. And Mom walked through the neighborhoods, visiting homes and talking with people. There were also flyers, which she printed up on a color laser and distributed during her walks.
She held a Meet the Candidate event, helped by her neighbors who made cookies and things. It was held in a beautiful historic home that someone has turned into an events place. She also had a television interview, and she toured the 911 Call Center and attended a couple of other candidate events.
It was most definitely a new adventure. Elections were Tuesday, and while she didn't win, she received 26% of the vote in a three way race and came in second. In five weeks time, she made enough of an impact to get hundreds of people to vote for her instead of one of the other guys. I think that's pretty cool!
I guess why I'm telling you this is so you know that you are never too old, too set in your ways, or too (fill in the blank) to have a new adventure. Mom is disappointed, of course, but she's not giving up (remember that theme, writers!). She's going to turn her site into a local politics blog, and she's going to get involved. Did I mention she's also a senior in college? Mom isn't old (60s isn't old these days), but she could easily sit at home and say she's too old for new adventures. She retired from her job, but she hasn't retired from life.
Now, if she's reading this, she'll be the first person to think she's not doing anything extraordinary or that she didn't do a good enough job to win the race. But we know differently, don't we?
Get involved, try new things, write that book, and don't give up. You are never too old (tired, dumb, lazy, etc) for a new adventure. If you've embarked on a new adventure, tell us about it!
Go Mom! I’m impressed by those election results after only a five-week campaign.
I started life anew at age 58 and began a new job at age 60 after a 15-year absence from a short-lived stint in the work force. It’s been a steep learning curve and I still learn something new every day.
I was impressed with those results too! She could only see the negative on election night, but I think she’s realizing now just how well she did.
I know you didn’t begin your new adventure at 58 because you wanted to, but I think many of us are proud of you for the way you’ve tackled it. 🙂
I’m so proud of your mom!! That’s way cool. And it gives me the push I need to keep on plugging along and pursue my heart’s desire: a career writing romances!
🙂
Thanks, Christine! Yes ma’am, keep working. You are not allowed to quit. 🙂
Wow. That’s impressive! She is obviously an great person to get so much support.
But I’ll leave the writing up to you.
Ha, thanks, Mary! I’ll keep writing. 🙂
Lynn, that was so damned sweet; I have a tear in my eye.
Mom did such a good job and she is proud to have done her part; of course we wish it turned out different but it won’t deter her for long that’s for sure.
Mom is not a quitter and she will persevere.
Thanks for this blog, what a heart warmer.
She did do a good job! Hope she realizes it. 🙂
It was really heartwarming to read this blog early in the morning for me. Thank you Lynn.
What an impressive and brilliant mum you have- All the best for her future endeavors!
Thank you, Nas! I hope she sees your comment. I told her it was impressive. 🙂 She’s too modest sometimes.
Thanks Honey for this wonderful post, I am touched very, very much, and you do know me well as I have been second guessing myself all the way since the polls closed! I’m not giving up and as you told some of the folks who have posted comments here, neither should they, life is really to short to not try to accomplish your dreams, never give up and don’t let a little setback or two stop you! You certainly never did and look at all you’ve done! :-). Better go, I’m getting mushy again!
Love Ya
See, everyone thinks you did good. Not giving up is the key. In the little time you had, you did really well. Heck, the incumbent mayor only got about 6% of the vote. Talk about losing big time!
Yep, he sure did! I do feel better, on to the next challenge! 🙂