My worst year of life was when I was in sixth grade. I was an awkward, uncool 11 year old just starting out in middle school. I didn't wear stylish clothes at the time that it started mattering. Sixth grade was the year I had to get glasses and to make matters worse, I also got my braces on. Sixth grade was the year that I "broke up" with my longtime best friend since age 4 and suddenly seemed to have no friends.
There was a group of girls who all seemed to be against me. They were mostly girls that I had grown up with, but for some reason, I was out of the club(the longtime ex best friend was in so that probably explains it). I seem to remember continuing to try to fit in and definitely was left on the sidelines. I remember them all sitting together at lunch time. I honestly don't know who I ate with that year.
For some reason, at the end of the school year, I asked these girls who obviously hated me to sign my yearbook. One of the signatures, I distinctly remember...it said, "You are a very extraordinary person." But the word extra was underlined multiple times. She was calling me extra ordinary. Honestly, what did I expect getting people that obviously didn't like me to sign my yearbook? Even still, I was crushed.
After all of these years, I am friends again with the ex best friend. As adults, we wonder what the heck ever caused the break up. She visited me here in OH last year and we had a wonderful time catching up and remembering even back to our preschool and early elementary years together. Oh the fun times we had...
I hate that I went through that. I hate how awful we as people can be to one another. How backbiting and catty and mean! I try to teach my children to be accepting and loving to all others and also try to help them have thick skin for when people are cruel and hateful to them. I hope and pray that their middle school years are easier than mine were. That they are not as awkward and extra ordinary as their mama was.
And I am so very grateful that I outgrew the awkwardness, developed a compassion for others as a result of the friendless times, and have the confidence that I do now. If only I could go back and do those years again knowing what I do now. Ugh, no, that thought made me sick. I'll stay here thank you.
And here is a glimpse of extraordinary, a picture of a glorious sunrise that I had the pleasure of witnessing recently.
Really beautiful sight for sure, Amanda! And I am right with you in that sixth grade was my worst year too. All of my friends from fifth grade ended up in a different class together, and I was dumped all on my lonesome. I didn't start middle school until the following year, when I found a lot of new people who shared my likes and interests. But yeah, that age is the worst!
It is glorious indeed! Your story reminds me how much simple kindness can mean to a person of any age. I'm so glad that you were able to reconcile with your friend. Fav!
We moved to another county when I was in sixth grade. From a small school with friends I knew since 2nd grade to a big school where I didn't know anybody. It was hard starting over. Your shot is awesome!
My family moved from New York to California the summer before 7th grade. I was essentially an outcast so I completely understand your post! This shot is gorgeous!
I don't know what moved you to write these memories... but sounds as if my daughter wrote them... I agree that children can be very cruel, mostly when they "belong" to a group. Don't teach only compassion to your children, since that's what I thought mine: to be nice and kind, and they were abused by the others. Beautiful extraordinary capture, just like you.
What a wonderful place to sit and think about your life! I can relate to your story very much. I was a late bloomer also..and kind of glad for it....now! I believe it makes us more compassionate. I don't like being around people that are gossipy...I always try to find the positive in others. Anyway, would love to sit and watch one of those sunrises with you and talk about our lives! The photo is amazing....the light , the framing, the reflections and silhouettes are all marvelous! A real big FAV!!!
Lovely sunrise and your words...wow...I think most of us have been there at one time or another in their lives. I know I have and I can sympathize with the childhood you. :) And I have to say...a fav for me...!
The brilliant color is such a contrast to the previous pastel image, and your mood has changed as well. Friends are priceless. I was on the outside as a kid as well, but now, a half century later I find that the friends I did have all those years ago are still friends. Both male and female. Unbelievable, and I am truly blessed. Sorry I got off the track, but your story triggered many, many thoughts.
thought for a minute you had busted the Security guy with his GF in the bushes this time.... Great story, but sad, but poignant and almost topical. Thanks.
Wonderful pic, and definitely extraordinary. Friends are mirrors that reflect us, and lights that shine when we need them to. I'm glad you eventually got back with your friend too :)
Beautiful sunrise! I think we've all had similar experiences growing up, even it was just being ostracized by so called friends for a week. The silly things we do as kids that we don't realize can have long term effects! I am glad you got your friendship back...those lifelong friends are the best kind! And I love that you are teaching your children to be tolerant and caring!
Stunning shot and sunrise. It must have been really tough at the time and with hindsight, these difficulties probably made you what you are today but at the time it must have been dreadful. I had an uneventful schooling and I guess that is lucky but I do worry for my children especially growing up in a big city versus my small country village upbringing. But gosh I hated the country... that's another story :-)
Awesome shot Amanda. Very touching commentary and I admire your honesty. Yeah I think those years were tough for most of us. But now as a successful professional adult I piss on those morons. Hahaha
what's the saying...a picture is worth a thousand words? You have a 1000 memorable words there. It made you stronger to experience that and a better friend to others, that which I can attest to! Thanks for being my friend Doll! Beautiful photo, too! :) fav!
This is beautiful; very serene. My ten year old is struggling with a lot of what you describe at the moment. Horrible for her and horrible to observe as a parent
I do enjoy following your thoughts.. It´s like I was reading your diary. It´s so rare to have eople that opened about their life history and I´m glad you do so we can realise what kind of person you are, and that´s what makes your photos so good: you´re a sensitive and talented person. The photo is amazing... very good choice of scenary to describe your feelings. You´re extradordinary for sure!
How beautifully expressed and how wonderful it is to share with friends. Am sure , we can all relate to your experience at some level. Sometimes .... it takes time to meet our true selves... the extra ordinary... and btw, that golden sunrise is gorgeous! :-)
It is an extraordinary sunset, as they all are if you think about it. But this ones says peaceful, confident, wise and gentle - particularly fitting I would say! Kids can be so cruel! I can relate to your story so much. What a relief it is to be an adult and know what is really important.
I love your writing and sorry for what you went through. At age 9 I was put in braces and glasses, tall and lanky and not popular and geeky looking. It is hard to go through those times in life or to think about them too much. Even at reunions, 40 years later some people are still the same but I like you have grown. You can take it and run and thrive or be that mean person that remains the same way today. It is wonderful to reconnect with old friends and glad you did. Love this photo, pure perfection. Love the colors and reflections you captured. FAV Love what ME wrote above.
Lovely tones and a great reflection - in more ways than one. If we can pull through them, its the hard times that make us strong, Amanda, I do believe that.
Amanda,this is a very poignant post that hits so close to home.I got my braces in 6th grade,was snubbed and picked on as " uncool" .My parents were clueless as to the latest fads.When bell bottoms were " in" My straight leg jeans were way Out!I told everyone they shrunk...strangely inward...in the wash.It kills me to see young girls go through this.It pains me that we have done so little about bullying.Thank you for sharing...and for this lovely image.You are extraordinary in the best way possible!! You are a talented amazing person.
A sad story from your middle school years, sorry to hear...but... I looove the way you describe everything, you are good with words.
A lovely picture, awesome colors & reflection.
Beautiful Amanda. I was bullied at school but a little later in my school life. When I was 15/16. I was little, all my friends were nearly 6 feet tall. I was geeky and enjoyed learning which apparentley wasn't cool. My bullying stopped when we went into sixth form, ages 17 and 18, because the bullies left the school but my close friends dumped me then because I wasn't as smart as they were. I made new friends, I'm a nice person.
Kids can be very cruel, my daughter has already encountered it. It's heartbreaking as a parent but my daughter is strong and stands up to the mean girls and puts them in their place. We talk alot about why people and children are the way they are. Sadly some children don't change and continue their behaviour as adults in the workplace. We have been on the recieving end of that as well.
@thirtysevenways How interesting, Andy. I was made fun of for being smart and doing well in school (isn't that what you are supposed to do?!) and then was not as smart as my really smart friends either. I, too, was little. I've always have been able to make new friends, as well. My later years were better...kids grew up more in high school. By senior year and college, I didn't give a thought to what people cared anymore. I'm glad that I made it through. Thanks for your comments.
Impressive perspective and composition Amanda! I am amazed at how early this type of behavior is displayed in people. We took our 4 year old granddaughter to a community park one day and there were others children about her age there. My granddaughter is very outgoing so she approached two girls who were playing together. She initiated a conversation and the two girls looked at her got up and walked away from her. Then they started to taunt her. Another time another park she started following two girls that were obviously a couple years older. The one turned to her and asked, "Are you following us?" She stopped dead in her tracks clearly hurt by the remark. Fortunately these have been the exception. But it makes you wonder what it is that has caused some young children to have developed this type of behavior towards others? I know that peer pressure is great, but why do the majority tend to follow the bullies? Thanks for sharing a hurtful time in your life. It gives us something to think about and hopefully challenges us to change those kinds of attitudes if we have the opportunity! I am glad to hear that you are friends again!
@darrenboyj Thanks, Darren. You sure did rock your shots today:)!!
@skipt07 Really appreciate your kind words and thoughts, Skip. Glad to share my story. It made me who I am, and thankfully (and probably through God) I turned out ok. Sorry to hear how early it started with your little granddaughter:(.
@sjouk I love to write and this felt so good to get down on screen (not paper anymore). Thanks so much, lady. Appreciate your kind comments!
@mzzhope LOVE your kind comments and nice to know that others can relate. It seems that most can. I hope to be more attuned with fashion when it matters for my girls...and that I adequately prepare them for what is in store. Thanks so much for your kindness:)))!
@snaggy Thanks so much, my friend. I felt led to share this, not really hurting over it, just remembering. I love who I became, not so much what I had to go through to get here, but...thanks, Kev!
Gorgeous photo Amanda and though I think none of us would ever want to live through middle school again I believe those experiences help us become who we are today. You are a wonderful talented Extra Extraordinary woman and I think we could have been friends back then. Glad we are 365 friends now.
@tskipper Aw, thank you, kind lady. I never moved growing up, but my kids have and lukcily adjusted ok. It was so hard to move them and I worried for how they would do. It helps make it easier when you are young, I think.
@seejillrun Aw, sorry to hear that, Jill, but glad you get me. Where in Cali did you move to. I lived there 7 years in Sac area and LOVED it. Are you there now?
@jodimuli Ha...a super diva. You are fun, Joey. Thanks so much for your great comments. If they could only see me now;-). Appreciate your support, my friend!!
@anazad511 Aw, it's so common to go through garbage like this. I probably said some awful things to people over the years myself which makes me sad. Thanks for your sweet comments, my friend. I hope and pray I can prepare my kids properly.
@eyesmile Love your sweet comments, Gena. Thank you for them, for relating and for your kind fav. Wish we could take in a sunrise. Where are you again?
@snaphappy1 It was really crappy. But we survived and are maybe better as a result. It took awhile to overcome some of the damage and get an esteem again. Thanks, my friend. So glad to have patched that friendship and to have met my very best friend today during those awful years when we were both friendless.
@sandypw Aw, thanks so much, kind Sandy. Really appreciate your words and fav!
@friend2303 You are so very kind, my friend. Thank you for that!
@riverlandphotos She was mean. The boys were meaner. I guess that I had moments of meanness, too, but this was not normal. It kills me that I did, though. Thanks so much for your sweet words and fav, my friend!
@rvwalker Thanks for your kind words, Ross. I'm glad that I got you thinking. So glad to have gotten through those tough years relatively unscathed and stronger...eventually.
@michaelelliott Love it, Michael...thank you! There was a guy who said a particularly awful thing to me. I'd love to see him again and show him how I turned out.
@rachelwithey It starts so early. Not looking forward to dealing with that on the parental end either. Thanks, lady!
@edie Aw, thank so much, my friend. I was getting wiped out so I took a break from the sunrises but really missed it this week. This was from the kayak week.
A lovely picture, awesome colors & reflection.
Kids can be very cruel, my daughter has already encountered it. It's heartbreaking as a parent but my daughter is strong and stands up to the mean girls and puts them in their place. We talk alot about why people and children are the way they are. Sadly some children don't change and continue their behaviour as adults in the workplace. We have been on the recieving end of that as well.
@darrenboyj Thanks, Darren. You sure did rock your shots today:)!!
@skipt07 Really appreciate your kind words and thoughts, Skip. Glad to share my story. It made me who I am, and thankfully (and probably through God) I turned out ok. Sorry to hear how early it started with your little granddaughter:(.
@wind_of_the_sothern_sea You are so kind, Mr. Arefin. Thanks so much!!
@sjouk I love to write and this felt so good to get down on screen (not paper anymore). Thanks so much, lady. Appreciate your kind comments!
@mzzhope LOVE your kind comments and nice to know that others can relate. It seems that most can. I hope to be more attuned with fashion when it matters for my girls...and that I adequately prepare them for what is in store. Thanks so much for your kindness:)))!
@twr Thanks, Timothy!
@tskipper Aw, thank you, kind lady. I never moved growing up, but my kids have and lukcily adjusted ok. It was so hard to move them and I worried for how they would do. It helps make it easier when you are young, I think.
@seejillrun Aw, sorry to hear that, Jill, but glad you get me. Where in Cali did you move to. I lived there 7 years in Sac area and LOVED it. Are you there now?
@anazad511 Aw, it's so common to go through garbage like this. I probably said some awful things to people over the years myself which makes me sad. Thanks for your sweet comments, my friend. I hope and pray I can prepare my kids properly.
@eyesmile Love your sweet comments, Gena. Thank you for them, for relating and for your kind fav. Wish we could take in a sunrise. Where are you again?
@snaphappy1 It was really crappy. But we survived and are maybe better as a result. It took awhile to overcome some of the damage and get an esteem again. Thanks, my friend. So glad to have patched that friendship and to have met my very best friend today during those awful years when we were both friendless.
@swamppoodle Thanks, Patti!!
@sandypw Aw, thanks so much, kind Sandy. Really appreciate your words and fav!
@friend2303 You are so very kind, my friend. Thank you for that!
@riverlandphotos She was mean. The boys were meaner. I guess that I had moments of meanness, too, but this was not normal. It kills me that I did, though. Thanks so much for your sweet words and fav, my friend!
@rvwalker Thanks for your kind words, Ross. I'm glad that I got you thinking. So glad to have gotten through those tough years relatively unscathed and stronger...eventually.
@jamibann Of course, Issi. Thanks so much for your kind comments!
@alia_801 Thank you, Alia!! Me,too:)!
@brav Thanks, Richard!!
@michaelelliott Love it, Michael...thank you! There was a guy who said a particularly awful thing to me. I'd love to see him again and show him how I turned out.
@rachelwithey It starts so early. Not looking forward to dealing with that on the parental end either. Thanks, lady!
@mcmary Thanks, Mary!!
@deniseescovino @amrita21 Really appreciate your sweet words, ladies!!