About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Advice from Dr. Seuss


Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don’t matter
and those who matter don’t mind.
- Dr. Seuss


   It’s not the type of quote that is usually associated with Dr. Seuss, or at the least the type of quote I’m more familiar with.  You know, quotes that are cute and/or silly and/or encouraging.  I’m thinking of the quote seen in the picture below that used to hang in my classroom.  



   The quote at the top of this post could almost be described as snarky.  Yet, the more I think about it, the truer it seems to be -- at least in regards to the people in my life.

   It’s an accurate observation to share that as I’m getting older, my circle (of friends and family) has gotten smaller.  And when I think about why, it all comes down to this quote.  Because I had assumed that those who matter (certain members of my family and closest friends) wouldn’t mind my choices, my opinions, my decisions.  Turns out I was wrong.

   You know who I’m talking about.  Those people that can see me with my hair in a bun, wearing my “comfy clothes” around the house.  The people you don’t have to dress for.  You let your guard down around these people.  And then, when you’re at your most vulnerable, a judgment is made, a rift comes between you and these people, and then they’re gone.

   It used to make me sad.  If I fixate on it for too long, it still does.  But then I think about my current circle.  And I think of this Dr. Seuss quote:

When you think things are bad,
when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad...
you should do what I do!
Just tell yourself, Duckie,
you’re really quite lucky!
Some people are much more...
oh, ever so much more...
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!


4 comments:

  1. I know exactly how you feel.I have always wondered why people change so.It seems the more I do for people the more I get hurt.Never forget you are a very LOVING, CARING,CONSIDEDRATE,WONDERFUL PERSON.I love you and I am very proud of you.
    love,mommy

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  2. People are a funny breed. You can never please everyone. Your mother & I are proud of you.
    Love, dad

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  3. Honey,
    This is a great insight into these Dr. Suess Quotes! I had never seen the first quote before. I Love You!
    Love, me

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  4. The top quote is actually one of my favorites and is the one that keeps me grounded. I agree that those who matter shouldn't mind but often times they do. I loved this week's blog and I love you! I miss you more than words and wish we were closer. I'd love to see your hair in a bun and those brown pants again ;) LOVE YOU

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