I’ve always loved that word: Mettle.
It means this: A person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way.
Omg, I’m amazing. My clothes are amazing, my hair…
You may be a very nice person, I don’t know you. But amazing? Hmmm.
I don’t think we use it enough. We toss around words like amazing, phenomenal, awesome to describe anything from a scientist or physician’s ability to discover life-changing/saving discoveries and medicines to a reality show star’s conversation or hairstyle. Their meanings have become as mundane and average as the latest YouTube sensation — here today, gone tomorrow, until the next one comes along. But for a moment, they’re all AMAZING, PHENOMENAL, AWESOME, PERFECT with plenty of omg’s and lol’s and lmao’s surrounding them. Sigh.
As a lover and writer of words, I try to use those adjectives sparingly. I want someone or something to earn their meaning. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Words have weight. They matter. And once they’re out there, they’re out there — no take backs, baby.
Proving her mettle wearing a corset that restricted breathing whilst sitting and playing an instrument.
By the 18th century the word “mettle” (derived from the other one, “metal,” both being interchanged to mean that “hard, shiny substance” ) was being used to describe someone’s character, “the stuff we are made of.” It appeared in The Free Thinker in 1719 in this phrase: “I like the Lady’s Wit and Mettle.”
If someone described me that way, I’d be thrilled.
Proving Your Mettle
I come from humble beginnings, I suppose it was middle-class. But, most everyone around us was the same way. I don’t know how my parents were able to raise four children on their income. I’ve asked my mother that before and she always says the same thing: You just do what you have to do. You make the best of what you have until you can do better.
My parents were creative, artists of sorts, but they didn’t make money at being artists. My mother could make any kind of clothing, sometimes from cutting patterns out of newspaper. My father could make furniture, recover it, reuse it. Paint — not just the porch or house but paintings. They could fix things. Grow things. There wasn’t a plumber to call when something broke. It may not have worked perfectly, but it worked and we made it. Mettle.
Just a few people who used their mettle. Pretty amazing.
When I think about all the accomplishments I’ve achieved in my life, those that mean the most are the ones that I worked my ass off to achieve, usually through not so great circumstances. But there’s something about doing that — working through adversities and reaching a goal despite all the odds. It feels good.
I don’t have any stories of walking uphill through twelve feet of snow. I was fed, sheltered, clothed. I was never hungry or cold, but I think my parents went through times I can’t imagine. They lived much more simply than they raised us.
My mother told me that when she and my father lived in Germany they lived in one room. Had to heat it with a coal stove. People had just a few items of clothing — everyday clothes and Sunday best. Maybe two pairs of shoes. She also said they were insanely happy. Strange how that works. Imagine not having so many choices; that must take some stress off of you.
I’m not one to complain, honey but…..
I’m not saying I’d want to experience those kinds of times. The “good ole days” weren’t so good for women and minorities. But people survived through much more adversity and conditions/beginnings that we can fathom today.
Their mettle is what got them through. And we still see that today, people who overcome enormous adversity and achieve greatness. And the definition of “greatness” is different for everyone.
Every generation wants something better for the next one. My parents taught me what mettle meant. You have to earn respect. You have to work hard for what you want. No one gives it to you and life isn’t fair — it doesn’t owe you a thing. Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you. Life’s messy. It’s your mettle that gets you through the worst of it.
I wonder what we’re teaching the next generation.
Then and Now
We’re kind of all in this together.
The generation now has much to work through in order to prove their mettle as well and I believe most are doing a good job of it. They’re much more tolerant than past generations. I think they realize the enormity of what faces them. They’re coming up with new ways of learning and taking care of our planet. They care about what’s going on in the world instead of their own little bubble.
They have access to it — the world, more than we ever did. We are learning from them. I think there’s so much goodness and openness going on now than ever before. Hopefully, they’ll take a few cues from us as well, the previous generations — of what’s important and what’s not. It’s not all reality television and mindless, shallow thinking.
Despite all the doom and gloom we hear, we’re living better than before. Ask your parents or grandparents. I think most of us have it pretty good, probably better than our parents/grandparents did. We have the generation before us to thank for that. They proved their mettle and now we have to pass that on to the next generation.
If my legacy was “she had wit and mettle,” that would be a fine one indeed. Because mettle encapsulates a lot: integrity, strength, purpose, character and having a sense of humor through it all. Not taking yourself too seriously. To me, that’s success, amazing, great. If you think of all the great leaders, philosophers, scientists, physicians — those people who made our lives and world better — they had and have that. Those who have that mettle are the ones I look up to.
I’m not sure what sparked the idea for this post and although it may not be amazing or phenomenal, it’s not so bad.
I’ll take not so bad over nothing special any day. :).
Happy Monday everyone.
***
Read more Monday Musings here.
Brigitte's Banter 
I haven’t heard the word mettle in such a long time. I had a teacher who used it, along with others words such as intestinal fortitude. (Guts) Monday again? ~~awesome~~ (The squigglies make it special.)
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 9:41 amUmmm, well hope you likey anyway. Thanks. What squiggly’s — the painting? :). I must be not quite awake, nothing is making sense. Anyway, I still like the word. I think it’s cool no matter how old it is.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 9:51 amAbsolutely I likey. Words mean a great deal to me. There origins, meanings, use and misuse. ~~is a squiggly -to make my use of the word ~~awesome~~ “special”. I loved that teacher who used intestinal fortitude because I learned that it means so much more than just having guts. xo
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 10:33 amI meant “their” origins. Gahhhhh!
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 10:36 amBrigitte,
It’s a tad off-topic, but speaking of generations, the image you’ve added with the hands around Earth reminds me of posters from another era, my parents generations, and Expo 67: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Expo_67_logo.svg
Le Clown
Posted by Le Clown | September 24, 2012, 9:43 amUm, thank you for the pic. Not sure where I got the hands one but thank you. 😀 Appreciate the comment about the Earth poster. Happy Monday! :D. I tend to be a bit lengthy on these posts sometimes so scanning is probably the best option. And looking at the pretty pictures.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 9:53 amBrigitte,
Nah. I did read your post. I am ticked about my post not appearing in Reader. I should have waited after being answered by WordPress before commenting anywhere. But your blog is a morning ritual, and I couldn’t help myself.
L’Éric
Posted by Le Clown | September 24, 2012, 9:57 amWell that’s nice — thank you! Mean old Reader. It’ll be okay. Be brave little soldier.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:22 amThis post was awesome.
JUST KIDDING!
It was thoughtful and well written. I found it to be engaging from top to bottom, and I agree with the points you made. I appreciate, in particular, the positive light you shed on the current generation (mine, I suppose). So often we’re chastised for being lazy, entitled, or directionless. It’s encouraging to be described as tolerant and thoughtful. Always illuminating to read you, BB. Thank you.
Posted by saradraws | September 24, 2012, 9:59 amNo, you’re AWESOME. :). Thank you, Sara. I think you are in that generation (you are 30 right?) and my nephew who’s 18. He’s got so many friends from everywhere — it’s nice. I think every generation gets more and more open-minded. I think we see the worst of the worst on media but there’s way more good. When you’ve been on the earth for five decades (good gawd) you learn some things. But I think I was this way (open-minded) from the womb. Illuminating is a great word — thank you, Sara.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:25 am“I want someone or something to earn their meaning. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Words have weight. They matter. And once they’re out there, they’re out there — no take backs, baby.”
“Because mettle encapsulates a lot: integrity, strength, purpose, character and having a sense of humor through it all. Not taking yourself too seriously”~~Best damn quotes of the day Brigitte.
I admire your writing and I think you are extraordinary….and I mean this in the truest sense of the words.
Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | September 24, 2012, 10:00 amAudra, thank you for bringing up my quotes! How nice you are and I can say the same about you, with honesty and full conviction, my dear friend. You’ve definitely been proving your mettle lately, huh? ;).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:26 ammm I think we could hang quite well together.. mettle and all
Posted by unfetteredbs | September 24, 2012, 10:29 amI most definitely agree.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:31 amI’m tired of all the hyperbole, too. Yet I find myself over using certain words because I’m lazy and those words seem to be a catch-all. I think “Awesome” should be used for the Grand Canyon and “Amazing” should be used for the internet – neither one should be used to describe a pair of shoes or a hamburger. Oh, and “Genius” should be used for people like Einstein and NEVER people like Jack Nicholson. (I hate it when people say that an actor, or his or her performance was GENIUS. LOL!)
Mettle is a wonderful word and I think, from what I can tell, you have a very good dose of it, Brigitte. You have too much integrity to let someone walk all over you, to witness injustice and say nothing, to compromise your beliefs in any way, to be a slacker, to blindly obey, etc. I’d gladly hitch my wagon to yours if we were pioneer women. I know a gal with mettle when I see one! : )
Posted by A Gripping Life | September 24, 2012, 10:05 amOh I love that word — hyperbole! I just love words. I think I read a book a month of so ago and it had “mettle” in it to describe a person and it stuck with me. We should write a post about words we love. I’m with you — the 7 wonders of the world — awesome, amazing. And yes, I know actors (the good ones) put much work into their craft but not so sure I’d describe that as genius. Einstein, Madame Curie…yeah, genius. Mettle is one of those old-fashioned words and when I googled it (yeah, I was lazy) I found that little tidbit about its origins. You seem to have plenty of mettle and moxie yourself, Grippy. That’d be good names for pets or goldfish or something — Mettle and Moxie. :). Thank you for your kind words — integrity is most definitely one of the ways in which I’d describe you. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:31 amMoxie! Now there’s another word I like!
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 10:38 amYou got moxie, woman. Show it and spread it around in that other country you visit. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:42 amSure I will, but not too much. I don’t want to end up on an episode of Locked Up Abroad…or is that locked up broad? Great post today, Brigitte. 😉
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 10:45 amThank you, the WP people just emailed me and told me they were going to freshly-press it. Mettle, it’s a good thing. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 10:48 amNow that, my friend, IS AWESOME!
Posted by Honie Briggs | September 24, 2012, 10:56 amYou know what they say, “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Moxie is another word, rarely used, but one that packs a punch. Love it!
Posted by A Gripping Life | September 24, 2012, 11:09 amYou are right about that, Grippy. 😀 I’m all about packing a punch.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 11:22 amNow I see your whole painting! Coolio!
I first read the word “mettle” as “meddle” and wondered why you wanted us all to get into each other’s business.
I am guilty of using the word “amazing” . . . a lot. And, I am fond of “fantastic.” You are right. If overused, they lose their meaning. Must come up with new word to overuse.
Posted by robincoyle | September 24, 2012, 11:52 amThanks, Robin. No, definitely not meddle. :). I think we’re all guilty of overusing those words. Just an observation on my part and thanks so much for your comment. Let me know what your new word is. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:48 pmPapaya. How’s that?
Posted by robincoyle | September 24, 2012, 2:31 pmSure, that’s a nice noun. I like to say it, just don’t like to eat it.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 2:42 pmShoot. You mean I have to pick an adjective?
Posted by robincoyle | September 24, 2012, 6:18 pmYou can pick/use whatever word you would like to use here at my place. I’m all about diversity, my writerly friend. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 6:40 pmCoconut is another favorite.
Posted by robincoyle | September 24, 2012, 6:51 pmdonnybrook.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 6:53 pmI love words, too, Brigitte. I ponder them, look up their definitions, try to correlate what they actually mean with how they’re used. Mettle is a word I haven’t used in a long time…it’s time to put it back in my lexicon. And congratulations on Freshly Pressed! Yyyaaaayyyyy!!!!!! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | September 24, 2012, 11:54 amYay, bring back the mettle, baby! And thank you, I was told it’d be showing up in the next couple of days. xoxoB.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:08 pmAWESOME!!! (deliberately used!) xoM
Posted by Margarita | September 24, 2012, 12:22 pmHi Brigitte. Thanks for your post today. I appreciate and identify with your thoughts on the subject. Happy Monday.
Posted by thehealthywarrior | September 24, 2012, 11:56 amHi Carol, you’re very welcome — so glad it resonated with you and Happy Monday to you, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:08 pmAbsolutely you will be known as a woman of “wit and mettle”.
Posted by reptilesintheicecream | September 24, 2012, 12:30 pmWell, Rep, then it’s all worth it. Thank you. xo
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:38 pmBoy did you give us food for thought. Loved it.
Posted by Change My Body...Change My Life | September 24, 2012, 12:34 pmSo glad you did! Thank you so much. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:54 pmI love this post! Thought I would get my 2 cents in before you became FP’d. Congrats also! Words have always been special to me and I love the word mettle, my grandmother used to use that word so I’ve always liked it. Now it will stick in my mind so I hope you won’t mind when you see that word pop up in my writings somewhere 😉
Posted by changeforbetterme | September 24, 2012, 12:41 pmHi Jackie, well thank you! I don’t remember my Grandmother using it, but I still like it alot. Use it, let’s bring it back!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 12:49 pmBetter to have mettle than to meddle… 😉
But you are right–what a great word it is, and it sounds like it’s in your genes. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | September 24, 2012, 1:06 pmMost definitely. I like it and chutzpah and moxie and relish (not the kind you put on a hot dog, the other use of it.).
Thank you, Carrie.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 1:20 pmOoh, moxie is a good one.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | September 24, 2012, 1:22 pmI am extremely guilty of using words like awesome, amazing, fantastic, etc to describe fairly banal things. And I agree with you that many folks in the up-and-coming generations still need to prove their mettle. Different times, yes, but work and effort remain the same.
Posted by Madame Weebles | September 24, 2012, 1:40 pmYeah, me too but I’m working on it. ;). I agree, Weebs but I’m sure the next generation will work it out just fine. Thank you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 2:42 pmIt’s always bugged me how easily we throw around words like awesome and amazing, etc. But I’m also guilty of doing it, no matter how hard I try to avoid it! I love the hope in this post! 🙂 It was a great one to read when I’m just now coming back into the blogverse.
Posted by Emi | September 24, 2012, 2:53 pmEm! So nice to see you again and welcome back!! I know we all overuse them. I’m guilty myself. So glad you enjoyed the post and look forward to more your hope-filled musings, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 3:30 pmextremely thoughtful – cannot add anything–other than that I enjoyed this
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | September 24, 2012, 5:23 pmThank you, Lou Ann. You’re stopping by to just say you enjoyed it is more than enough and very appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 6:39 pmWhatever sparked it I much enjoyed it.. Will have to find a way to work that word into my vocabulary. It sounds so important and such!!
Posted by free penny press | September 24, 2012, 5:57 pmThanks, Lynne! It does have kind of nice ring to it, yes? :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 24, 2012, 6:39 pmAnother wonderful post, Brigitte. Mettle is a great word, and I hope I’d show some if the going gets tough.
My parents were young in the Depression and faced more difficulties than I can imagine. We never had a lot of “things” when I was growing up, either, but I never really thought I was deprived. (Except for those times when every teenager does who can’t have everything the “cool” kids have.)
I overuse words like amazing, too, but hopefully not in my WIPs….
Posted by jmmcdowell | September 24, 2012, 8:17 pmHi J, thank you! I never believed I was deprived either. I overuse them too and yeah I hope I don’t do that either unless of course that’s what the character I’m describing would say, right? Thank you, as always, for taking the time to stop by and comment — so appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:53 amI overuse the word “awesome” way, way too much. Something tells me I will soon be overusing the term “mettle” soon too. It’s such a great, expressive word.
Posted by The Waiting | September 24, 2012, 8:31 pmMe too. I throw out awesome way too much. “Your baby’s learned to walk? That’s awesome!” “Your mouse has four buttons and a scroll wheel? Freakin’ awesome!” “It comes with fries? AWESOME!”
Posted by Drew | September 24, 2012, 9:43 pmNow Drew, I do think you’re overusing that just a tad.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:16 amIt’s no wonder that we all do! We hear it often enough. Yeah, mettle a nice strong, solid word I think! Thanks, Em.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:54 amBrig, CONGRATS! This post is so deserving of FP! Welcome to the Two Times Club! ;D
Posted by The Waiting | September 25, 2012, 10:54 amEm, thank you friend. It’s nice and yeah, two times — I am surprised and delighted.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:12 amMettle is a really really good word, actually. I dunno why, but I don’t think I’ve come across that word outside of a Western, actually. It’s like, I can only imagine Clint Eastwood saying: “Ya gotta be handy with the steel, boy. Prove yer mettle. Now draw!”
Posted by Drew | September 24, 2012, 9:42 pmDrew, it is, isn’t it? You should get out more, dude. Really, that’s the only time you’ve heard it? In a spaghetti western? I do like your Clint Eastwood impersonation though. :D.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:11 amSeriously… nobody ever uses that term in Singapore, unless they’re misusing it (“I like to listen to heavy mettle”), and to be honest I’ve not really heard it in other movies much either. And I watch a CRAPLOAD of movies.
Posted by Drew | September 25, 2012, 9:53 amOh well, to each his own. Thank you for stopping by and have a great day, Drew!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 10:31 amI think I’ve said this before, but you always know when to say what. It’s amazing. Uh….. I mean, totally awesome! Oh gosh darn it, you know what I mean. 😉 I so agree with you about words having weight. I never say anything I don’t mean and it’s a little sad when I see people flinging around words and phrases without really committing to them if that makes sense. In any case, lots of food for thought here that I appreciate as always. 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | September 24, 2012, 10:23 pmOh snap. Brigitte if you haven’t seen it yet, please go to the WP homepage. I think I see someone familiar there…… 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | September 24, 2012, 10:48 pmLillian, I see that. Wonders never cease. Thank you, friend. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:07 amLillian, thank you. I’ll take amazing and awesome anyway. ;). Thank you for your sweet comment.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:12 amI often use the word “mettle.” Very few words encapsulate so many meanings and emotions, and it makes me sound smart. I like “grit” too, but I just can’t seem to shake the image of John Wayne every time I use it — which isn’t often. I also like “juxtaposition” and “penultimate,” but that’s another post for another Monday. Great job! I like the cut of your jib.
Posted by Vincent Borgese | September 24, 2012, 10:30 pmHi Vincent and welcome. Grit’s a good one and it does make me think of John Wayne as well. I love juxtaposition and penultimate and the fact that you used “the cut of your jib” well, you’ll fit in here just fine. Hope you’ll visit again. Thanks so much.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:16 amLOVE your mettle. Your other words are good too.
Posted by boo king | September 24, 2012, 11:06 pmThank you! :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:07 amWow this is a great post. I love the word “mettle” too lol. I really think the WWII generation was the last great generation, there’s no 20-somethings that are as great as my grandfather or the other WWII folks. I know it’s totally against “comment etiquette” to self-promote but I actually just wrote a blog about the new Millennial generation that I think you’d enjoy! It’s a little more mean than yours though! http://bit.ly/OR4vVn
Posted by Jeremy Truitt | September 25, 2012, 12:16 amHi Jeremy, so glad you enjoyed the post. I think every generation brings something good to our world, don’t you? I love the word though. You can self-promote here — it’s okay. Thank you so much for your nice comment and I’ll come over and read your post. Thanks again!!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:06 amToday, it’s clear to me that you have proven your mettle, Brigitte, through this post. I could see THE WORD shining on you. I certainly admire people who gives a keen eye and thought on standards.
Thank you for enlightening my mind! Posts like this are worth every millisecond of my time.
Congratulations!
Posted by Sony Fugaban | September 25, 2012, 12:35 amHi Sony, what a nice thing to say — thank you! Your blog looks very inviting and I look forward to reading more about your travels.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:04 amIt’s a word that has come up in some English literature books and bamboozled the younger Australians in my tutorials, but as far as I’m aware it still is in common use in Yorkshire (where I come from a very long line of battle axe women with strength and moral fibre that still have the menfolk quaking in their boots). Another word still used is fettle…the two don’t just sound alike they kind of make a nice pairing, like jam and scones……fettle refers to your emotional state, a kind of, how are you doing? how are you feeling? are you in good fettle? Having proved your mettle by being Freshly Pressed….. again (!!!!) I’m imagining you are indeed in fine fettle Brigitte 🙂
Posted by wordswithnannaprawn | September 25, 2012, 1:26 amThat’s cool. I’ve read it in books, heard it a few times in movies (and not just old classics). I’m surprised it’s not used more and people haven’t heard it in awhile. Ooh, I like fettle too — thanks for that one. My fettle is fine and my mettle, magnificent. ;). Thank you!!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:14 amLove the old picture (probably from the 50’s ?). It reminds me of one of my posts – “A Home-Maker, What’s that ?”
Posted by aboomersvoice | September 25, 2012, 2:19 amHi boomer, appreciate your stopping by and thanks for leaving a link about your post. I’ll have to check out soon. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:00 amCongratulations on being Freshly Pressed.. once again. The post is wonderful as always. I always look forward to your Monday musings. 🙂
Posted by hemadamani | September 25, 2012, 2:26 amHi Hema, always so nice to see you here and thank you my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:14 amHow about poetry about Mondays? Come see! ourpoetrycorner.wordpress.com 🙂
Posted by Jonathan Caswell | September 25, 2012, 4:24 amThanks for stopping by, Jonathan!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:59 amSuperlative post. I weep for the future of the English language on a daily basis. Thank you so much for this posting.
Posted by windupmyskirt | September 25, 2012, 5:59 amWindup — Welcome!! And thanks so much for dropping by. I’m so glad you liked the post and so appreciate your nice comment. Hope you’ll stop by again soon.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:58 amReblogged this on misentopop.
Posted by GP | September 25, 2012, 6:23 amThanks for the reblog!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:56 amlovely post this is! great read
Posted by emekatalks | September 25, 2012, 8:03 amThank you, Emeka — so glad you enjoyed.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 8:07 amReblogged this on Emekatalks.
Posted by emekatalks | September 25, 2012, 8:04 amThat’s nice — thank you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 8:09 amBrigitte, I feel a little guilty commenting because I know you’re going to be busy over the next few days replying – Congratulations on your second Freshly Pressed! You’re such a great writer and your words speak to the heart so clearly. Mettle: great word, great post.
Hugs,
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | September 25, 2012, 9:42 amCathy, why would you feel guilty? The fact that you take the time to read — really read my posts — and then leave your goodness here means so much to me. Thank you and thank you for your kind comments, friend. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 10:24 amReblogged this on POKA-rt and commented:
Says it all really
Posted by POKA-rt Scrapbook page | September 25, 2012, 10:48 amThank you so much and hope you’ll stop in again.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:08 amThis was too profound to be called monday musings. I couldn’t agree more about the fact that each generation has it’s own battles to trounce. While it is the norm that the level of prosperity increases with each generation, they still have to earn the stuff worth having. Thanks for the shoutout on the boilerplate vocabulary!
Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Posted by aparnauteur | September 25, 2012, 10:51 amAparna, thank you — what a nice thing to say. I agree with you and so appreciate your stopping by to congratulate me — it is so appreciated and I hope to see you again!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:12 amWhat free thinking. Just like a Picasso painting! Thanks for sharing. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com.
Posted by segmation | September 25, 2012, 11:12 amThank you for your nice comment.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:13 amCongratulations on being Freshly Pressed. Mettle, as a subject, will be on my mind for the rest of today.
Allan
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | September 25, 2012, 11:30 amHi Allan, thank you and I hope that’s a good thing. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:41 pmAnd now, the rest of the story: I got home last night just before midnight and after spending some time together my wife and I got ready to go to bed. The Lioness handed me a catalog that came in the mail and I opened it to the second page only to read the headline: The mettle to get the job done.
My day was complete, thank you.
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | September 26, 2012, 11:21 amAllan, what was the catalog? I must see it. That’s crazy!! But in a very good way — thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 11:36 amIt is the Duluth Trading Company catalog.
Go here to sign up for one: http://www.duluthtrading.com
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | September 26, 2012, 11:54 amFirst of all congratulations on being FP’ed again, Brig. I feel like a bit of a jerk for reading your Monday post on Tuesday, but you’re so kind and gracious, you’ll likely overlook that I’m a mettle defective.
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 12:13 pmHey V, thank you! Don’t feel like a jerk — stop over whenever the mood strikes you. You’re not mettle-defective, you just weigh your options, ponder and take your time…:D
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:42 pmYou’re so kind Brig. Will you adopt me?
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 10:15 pmYes, I have a small room ready for you. Do you have pets? All my children have paws. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 10:19 pmI have a pet puppet goat Bill E.
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 10:23 pmBill E. is welcome and sounds like a deserving soul.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 10:25 pmHe is and he’s very clean and you’ll never hear him scream like other goats: bit.ly/lJ2zKC
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 10:49 pmI like clean and I like screaming. So clean, screaming goats are good. Freaky little video btw. Goats are cute. My dog, Sophie reminds me of that goat on that commercial where the goat eats a guys’ sandwich and kicks his backpack off a rock — know what I’m talking about?
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:04 pmI’m not sure if I know that commercial but it sounds vaguely familiar. I like goats and sheep because I can eat the cheese from their milk. I can’t do diary. I am extremely lactose intolerant.
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 11:08 pmBummer, V. I can just about eat anything. But I do love me some goat cheese. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:11 pmConsider yourself blessed from someone cursed.
Posted by lameadventures | September 25, 2012, 11:21 pmCongrats on Freshly Pressed and great post! I could definitely relate to this post and it caused me to think of my former students in the Mississippi Delta who rise above the challenges of poverty and violence to succeed on a daily basis.
Posted by originaltitle | September 25, 2012, 12:53 pmThank you my Southern friend. Love your blog, btw and see that you’ve been Freshly-Pressed as well and you’re pursing your Creative Writing degree — how exciting! You must have some great stories of true mettle (you and your students) — thanks so much for stopping by and hope you will do so again.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:30 pmThanks for visiting my blog! I’m looking forward to continuing to follow you and to be inspired by your uplifting posts!
Posted by originaltitle | September 25, 2012, 7:45 pmA beautiful blog you’ve got.
Congratulations on being freshly pressed!
I want to be like you 🙂
ObaFuntAy
TT
Posted by obafuntay | September 25, 2012, 3:30 pmOba- thank you for that — what a nice thing to say and I’m so glad you stopped by! Hope you’ll visit again soon. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:48 pmI am now following your blog, so definitely, I’ll be here again 🙂
Posted by obafuntay | September 26, 2012, 12:14 amI was just thinking about “metal” homonyms, and that one eluded me. I agree that “she had wit and mettle” would be a great description. I’d also love to have “temerity” right along with those! Great blog!
Posted by Michelle | September 25, 2012, 4:10 pmHi Michelle, welcome! Ooh, I love temerity, that’s another great one. Thanks so much for your kinds words.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:49 pmI had to stop in again after I admired my Queen O Kindness sitting so majestically on the Freshly Pressed throne..
You look fabulous there my dear!!
Posted by unfetteredbs | September 25, 2012, 5:35 pmHello my dear friend, why thank you! I feel pretty fabulous. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:52 pmWow, great piece Brigitte, we have similar views on things, please check out my blog and tell me what you think?!http://lovsnmua.wordpress.com/. Do hope you are well, really wonderful writing.
Posted by Magnolia | September 25, 2012, 5:48 pmWhy thank you, Magnolia. I will check out your blog soon and so appreciate your lovely and kind comments.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:54 pmReblogged this on Felicity Fox and commented:
Some more good musings on this site, I thought others would like too.
Posted by www.felicityfox.net | September 25, 2012, 5:51 pmFelicity, thank you!! That is so nice. I will visit you soon. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 5:53 pmYou are welcome. Pretty good is a term of endearment in these parts. I can’t do words like awesome, it’s against my Constitution if we had one! x
Posted by www.felicityfox.net | September 25, 2012, 5:57 pmHA HA!!! You are funny too. We are going to get along very well, my friend. Thank you so much. xo
P.S. (I love your name).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:00 pmI think we are since you have Little Women on your list x
Posted by www.felicityfox.net | September 25, 2012, 6:03 pmOf course it’s there!!! :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 6:06 pmIf everyone proved their mettle, it would be an entirely different kettle (of fish). I wish.
Posted by padraigoconnor | September 25, 2012, 6:19 pmYou’re right! And your rhymed mettle — bonus points for you. ;). Thank you for stopping by and hope you’ll visit again soon.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 7:26 pmWords are fun to ponder. I would love for people to say I have mettle, too. I think of my in-laws when I think of mettle: they came to the States in 1980, from a war-torn, poor Asian nation, with their toddler (who would become my husband and a physician) and not much else. Now, my in-laws own a successful business and have three grandchildren. Amazing. As for the words you wrote about that get over-used, I was reminded of something I heard our pastor say once, that he reserved the word “awesome” for God alone, for only he truly deserves it. Keep writing; I’m glad I got to read this post via Freshly Pressed!
Posted by amphomma | September 25, 2012, 7:55 pmHi A, how wonderful that you’ve had a great experience and that your faith continues to inspire you. Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Hope you’ll stop by again and again, thank you. Your kind comments are so appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 9:48 pmHow awesome is it that you and Madame Weebles got Freshly Pressed together?! And awesome is a good word in this case! Congratulations! 🙂
Posted by jmmcdowell | September 25, 2012, 9:34 pmThanks, J. Yes, I’m in great company. Thank you and I’ll take awesome for that. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 9:43 pmAwesome narration, enjoyed a lot…
Posted by jithinjohny | September 25, 2012, 10:26 pmThank you Jith — much appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 10:27 pmGreat word, Brigitte! Honestly, I haven’t heard it much in my lifetime but I sure do know I was brought up on it–and yet not, like you. I saw it in my parents but was also spared it by having things much easier than they. However, the message was never lost on me. Even at times in my life when I’ve lost a lot and had to start all over again, I summoned up my parents’ mettle and my grandparents’ and all those before them and miraculously made it through. I know it was successfully handed down and if I had a child, I’d so much want them to have it too!
Regards,
Posted by finally_write | September 25, 2012, 10:36 pmSue! My dear friend — first of all, how are YOU? I’ve missed you and your posts and have thought about emailing you. Hope things are wonderful in your world. I was talking to my Mom a few weeks ago and said that word, “mettle,” talking about something my hubby was going through — how he had to prove his mettle. It’s just one of those words that means so much; that I’ve always loved and loved the meaning of it. I was brought up on it too and from what I know about you, you certainly have had to use yours. I hope you are doing great and I miss you! I think about you often so please keep in touch and when you decide to blog again (or not) know I’ll always, always want to hear from you. You are such a kind and decent soul. much love. xxoo.
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:00 pmBrigitte, you are truly one of the sweetest people I’ve met in recent years! I am fine, honey. Just juggling priorities and waiting for the dust to settle from all the ideas I’m stirring up. Embracing somehow making writing an integral part of my career path moving forward… technical/business/creative. Trying to get something going right now so I can earn a paycheck… so ultimately I can get back to a normal routine and playing a little bit (aka blogging and creative writing)! Miss you too. But you should know I still try to read your posts and most of the time, do. 🙂 A friend is a friend is a friend. Talk soon!
Posted by finally_write | September 27, 2012, 1:52 amBrigitte, like your thoughts on mettle. For my reading, I find gratitude appearing in your subtext. Mettle and gratitude: partners.
Posted by aroomofheroine | September 25, 2012, 11:08 pmHeroine — thank you and you are correct. Mettle and gratitude do go hand in hand. Very astute of you and hope you’ll visit again. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | September 25, 2012, 11:13 pm>>>>”We toss around words like amazing, phenomenal, awesome to describe anything…”
That’s a drag about how it’s easy to be called “awesome”, or “great” nowadays.
So, upon hearing those words you just get confused rather than convinced about someone’s approval of something or someone else.
On the Internet, people compliment others mostly not because they like them, but because they expect to be complimented back.
That’s why even the worst of the worst on, say, deviantart has a chance to find “connoisseurs”.
MySpace and Livejournal tried to demonstrate how it’s easy for us to make friends with each other – by diminishing the word “friend” to… well, I don’t even…
They really deserved their sad, ignoble death for implementing the concept of friendship as just mutual “following”.
Posted by Nikki Manson | September 26, 2012, 2:55 amHi Nikki, I do think we’re all guilty of overusing them, myself included! I don’t think everyone on the internet is like that though. I’ve got and “met” many great bloggers/writers/followers through this WordPress community. They are very intelligent and giving people who compliment, I think, for the most part, because they mean it. I’ve not experienced MySpace or LiveJournal so I don’t have knowledge of that. This blogging community is a new way of making “friends” but again, in my experience, it’s been a very positive experience, not a negative one. Thank you for your comment!
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 9:48 am“I’ve not experienced MySpace or LiveJournal”
Lucky you 🙂
Posted by Nikki Manson | September 26, 2012, 12:16 pmMy apologies for being late to your party. Freshly Pressed invited me.
What a superb post! Someone once told me I had Mettle – I was quite young ( 20 something ) and looked it up in the dictionary because I wasn’t sure if they were being mean or kind.
I too remember growing up with parents that ” lived within their means” but managed to make sure all 5 of us girls had dresses for church, bikes, skateboards, an above ground pool, dance lessons, music lessons and the start of a good ” Catholic ” education. It ended abruptly when divorce cursed them, but in the early years my parents did their best to put us on the path and I think they had Mettle. Thanks for the memories, I needed to be reminded of what they provided me in an effort to make my life better than theirs.
Posted by Mountain Gypsy | September 26, 2012, 6:54 amNo apologies necessary, Gypsy. We learn from our mentors, parents and others “who’ve been there,” I think and then we learn from those who are just starting out — with new ideas. I think every generation adds something but those who prove their “mettle” are the ones who changes lives, who make things better for future ones. Thanks again for your nice comment — it’s so appreciated and I’m glad that your found the post relevant.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 9:43 amLovely blog and good advice here. I’ll remember the word ‘mettle’.
Posted by frances_alene_atkins | September 26, 2012, 8:46 amThanks, Frances and appreciate your visiting — hope you will again!
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 9:39 amGo Brig!
Posted by Fish Out of Water | September 26, 2012, 9:41 amHi Fish, thanks for stopping by! Hope things are wonderful in your world. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 9:48 amFish, I love your new gravatar.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 10:54 amThanks. 🙂
Posted by Fish Out of Water | September 26, 2012, 11:27 amI really, really love this post. I love what you’re saying, and how you say it. And I’m totally in agreement with you – it would be something special to be remembered for your mettle. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
Posted by Audrey | September 26, 2012, 11:05 amHi Audrey, thank you so much — I’m glad you did. And thank you for your congrats, it was a nice and welcome surprise.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 11:33 amWhat a thoughtful piece. It rings so true. Thank you to Freshly Pressed for directing me to it — and congrats!
Posted by travelgardeneat | September 26, 2012, 1:58 pmThank you, Kat. I’m grateful to WP’s Freshly-Pressed as well! So glad you stopped by.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 2:33 pm…This is an inspirational story…a story that really pulled at my heartstrings. It is true you can learn something new everyday and be inspired as well. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by Washington, DC | September 26, 2012, 2:45 pmHi Torri, thank you so much! Your blog looks very cool and one I plan to check out soon. Very inspirational yourself.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 2:52 pmCongrats on FP! This was a great post, as usual.
Posted by RFL | September 26, 2012, 5:17 pmThank you, Rachelle and glad you enjoyed. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 6:04 pmReblogged this on chryzalynmaeysao and commented:
this inspires me 🙂 thank you!! :))
Posted by cutecuteysao | September 26, 2012, 5:32 pmWhy thank you, CC. Glad you were inspired and hope you’ll stop by again.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 6:09 pmof course!! i will follow u! hahaha! 🙂
Posted by cutecuteysao | September 26, 2012, 11:47 pmSo glad you got FP. Congrats BTW. If it wasn’t for FP I may have not had the opportunity to come acrossed your blog. I really like this post. I really understand where you coming from about how so many adjectives have just been beaten down by overuse. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Posted by hunt4thought | September 26, 2012, 8:47 pmHi Hunt-4T, thank you so much! I’m certainly glad you took the time to read and that you got something from my post — that’s always so nice to know and thank you for sharing your nice comment.
Posted by Brigitte | September 26, 2012, 9:26 pmI love the word mettle…and your collage of people who could be said to have had it. Bravo!
Posted by Kathleen Hoffman, PhD | September 27, 2012, 12:32 amThank you, Kathleen and so appreciate your taking the time to stop in, read and comment.
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 9:40 amNice blog really.
Posted by assamesesong | September 27, 2012, 2:50 amWhy thank you. :).
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 9:40 amLike others, the last time I heard mettle was to “mettle in another’s affairs.” Perhaps the present economy will reverse this sense of entitlement. We had a saying in our family, “You’ll never make it in Africa.” Meaning, if you have to whinge about something, instead of making do, then…you’ll never make it.
Posted by LutheranLadies | September 27, 2012, 4:17 amHi LL, I think you’re referring to “meddle” which does have that meaning, far from the word, “mettle,” which has an entirely different meaning! :). Thank you for your nice comment — it’s greatly appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 9:42 amReblogged this on Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
Posted by llordsauron | September 27, 2012, 8:02 amThanks for the reblog and glad you enjoyed!
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 9:45 amyeah i enjoyed reading your blog. I have to say you have inspired me enough to get me out of my writer’s block. thank you.
Posted by llordsauron | September 29, 2012, 2:47 amCongratulations on being freshly pressed (again), Brigitte!
Despite all the doom and gloom we hear, we’re living better than before.
This is absolutely true. The news would give you the impression that there are more murders, kidnappings, etc. than in the past, but actually the opposite is quite true. It’s hard to find reliable statistics on suicide, but I wonder if that, too is a product of the media.
It is true that the newest generation is “more tolerant” in the sense that we use “tolerance,” but I see this more as a new set of societal rules that are observed rather than an honest understanding of tolerance. A case in point is how intolerant the supposedly tolerant can be regarding those not currently protected by society’s approval (e.g., polygamists). Now that everybody’s so tolerant, we sure do spend a lot of time screaming at each other.
Posted by Smaktakula | September 27, 2012, 12:17 pmHi Smak, thank you for your congrats after I went over to your post and blatantly asked you to do so. Yeah, I think we’ve all got it pretty good and I can’t figure out why that screaming and name-calling goes on. Whatta ye gonna do? Thanks for reading and your comment — much appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 1:14 pmafter I went over to your post and blatantly asked you to do so.
I felt bad about that because I save all the posts on which I want to comment in my inbox, and get to them in order. So I would have commented anyway without the reminder, but now that just sounds like an excuse. “Oh, I was gonna comment anyway.”
Posted by Smaktakula | September 27, 2012, 1:33 pmAnd I should add (because I do such a bad job sometimes of conveying facetiousness), that I really didn’t feel “bad” per se, just a little guilty.
Posted by Smaktakula | September 27, 2012, 2:49 pmokey dokey, then. Feel what it is you feel, bro. :). Emoticon to express the emotion of my emotion.
Posted by Brigitte | September 27, 2012, 2:50 pmReblogged this on monologue.
Posted by ulricalzr | September 28, 2012, 1:27 amThank you!
Posted by Brigitte | September 28, 2012, 11:25 amDear B!!!
Congratulations you crazy girl!!!
You didn’t tell me!!!!
🙂
Well deserved, friend.
♥
Love, L
xoxox
Posted by Carr Party of Five | September 28, 2012, 4:50 pmThanks, Lis. Figured you had enough on your plate right now and knew when you had a moment, you’d amble over and see. Thanks much, friend. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 28, 2012, 4:56 pmWhy this is certainly one to grow on! And, congratulations on being freshly pressed! You may not remember that I gave you ‘The German Chocolate Cake Award’ a while back — I gotta tell you — I had no idea then that your parents are German! Unless I read it in one of your earlier posts or comments and just forgot it in the forefront of my mind…
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | September 29, 2012, 10:02 pmSandee, my parents are a mixture. My Dad was in the Air Force and stationed there for awhile during their young lives. My Dad has English/German, my Mom has French/Irish, but I grew up in the South and have so many heritages, who knows? Really what does it matter? Not to me. Where are you??? xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | September 29, 2012, 10:13 pmHi Brigitte! I’m trying to figure out some direction for my life, including looking for another job. I have one already but I may not have one after the Spring. I also thought I should be writing more, which I have not been doing. I scheduled my reading for 10/27 in a local cafe. Since I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, I thought I should take a break from blogging — as you know it takes up a lot of time. I’m enjoying sneaking up on everyone’s blogs here and there. Yours was a really nice surprise! See you soon Brigitte!
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | October 2, 2012, 1:53 amSandee, I understand, trust me — I do! Where are you going to be reading?? Thank you and I look forward to hearing more about what’s going on with you and you’re popping in. Thanks, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | October 2, 2012, 8:16 amI’m going to be reading at the Indian Road Cafe in Inwood at the northernmost tip of Manhattan. On Oct. 27th, I’ll be reading at 10:30pm. If you click on the link and then the calendar, you’ll see my slot, right before the screening of Night of the Living Dead — right up my alley! http://indianroadcafe.com/
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | October 2, 2012, 11:19 amI am going to try and make a point to see you, Sandee. Thank you, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | October 2, 2012, 10:11 pmOh — click on the ‘Events’ tab I should say…
Posted by Sword-chinned bitch | October 2, 2012, 11:20 amNice blog!
http://www.thefashiondreambyfc.wordpress.com
Posted by thefashiondream | October 14, 2012, 1:58 pmWhy thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | October 15, 2012, 2:44 pmWow, I learned a new word. I agree with some words being overused, ones that should have more punch but lack the oomph with their quotidian use. I’m not sure how I landed on this post from my reader, but I’m glad I did. Mettle- let’s bring more words back that have oomph, or as I like to say, literary nourishing super words {like super foods, but words, as truly words sustain me}. Etymology also fascinates me, like courage used to mean to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart rather than simply heroic tales of risking one’s life. Mettle- will be working that into my repertoire! Be well, Brigitte 🙂
Posted by A Renaissance Glow | February 28, 2013, 4:50 pmIt’s an old word but a good one with meaning. I like what you say about words with oomph! Yes!! :). Etymology — that’s a cool word you don’t hear that often either. I’ll try to work that one in, Kristy myself. Thank you for sharing and for stopping in — you are always so welcome!
Posted by Brigitte | February 28, 2013, 6:32 pm