Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for November 20, 2010

Ahhhh….reality!

“Be glad Holly’s not being motivated by a member of the same sex to ‘perform.’”

Why would it be bad if she WERE? Not that I expect Jan (or Holly) to go that way (Alix? Maybe), but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. At least it would cut down the risk of Holly getting pregnant at 16…

Jan, you still have it. Your portrayal of middle school is still right on. Thanks again for visiting my classroom years ago. I have grown students who still remember.

Give the girl a break Val! Middle school is when both sexes are motivated to do a lot of things by the other. Hopefully, those things are positive. In this case, they are - Holly is doing well in school. Be glad of that.

It’s bad because next week, when she’s attracted to some loser, she’ll stop doing her schoolwork. It’s bound to happen - Holly is very fickle.

LOL, Burgundy2!

Congratulations Jan on your 15th anniversary with “Stone Soup” I just love that comic strip.

Burgundy2, tell it, sister! Having likewise embarked upon middle age, I was glad to find that doesn’t change. My she’d-kill-me-if-I-told-you-how-old mother also still tends to twinkle in the presence of an attractive man.

Joan’s line is from “As Good As It Gets”. Jack Nicolson’s character tells Helen Hunt’s that she “makes me want to be a better man”.

I’m with Val, parents hope that motivation will come from within but know at this age is usually isn’t.

Val can say this stuff all she wants, it is true and she needs to talk to someone about it. Joan is her best friend and confidant. What is wrong with saying what you feel to someone who is safe.

Except for the random movie quotes Joan is safe.

Middle school behavior modification goes both ways. Holly is probably causing the boy to discover the benefits of deodorant and soap.

Be grateful Holly’s trying to impress him by being a better student instead of . . . other ways.