you have no idea how touched i am, Deacongirl.

right now, my kid's primary survival tactic is to blend in, but i worry that if she's always shaping herself around others, she'll never have a friend who truly knows her. it gives me a lot of hope to think that there might be kids like yours out there who might really enjoy her for who she is. thank you!

I am LOVING this thread!

My other ds6 came home from school today (last day of k) 26 books in his bag- including an adult National Geographic hardcover book about North American animals. As I empty his bag, I see a book that is a present from his teachers- about animals. So, I say, "Wow, did you see this book?" "Yeah Mom. I'm giving it to my little brother. It looks like it's his level." Ok. He's definitely right.

Well, I have to encourage you then. My dd was lucky enough to have a few friends (one in particular) who really got her when she was younger...but she has gotten very good now at picking girls who appreciate having enthusiastic conversations about feminism and justice and literature etc. etc. I wish I could have recorded the conversation in the car after I picked up her and her friend from The Great Gatsby. But even in a middle school with a lot of affluence and conspicuous consumption (and in a conservative county in a conservative state) she has managed to find kindred spirits and she is comfortable showing who she really is. She is leaps ahead of me at that age. I think just the fact that you are aware that this could be an issue for your dd is a huge step. She sounds like a very cool kid!

HK, does she like the film "The Royal Tenenbaums"? It's a personal favorite.

I love all your children! Amazing anecdotes. They sound like delightful people!

She hasn't seen it yet-- her favorite movie (I'm almost embarrassed to admit this even here) is Thank You For Smoking.

She is a young Nick Naylor. In fact, just today, she turned to me and said "You know, I quite like the sound of 'yuppie Mephistopheles.'" This was in the context of her assertion that Rob Ford needs her as PR person. Clearly. LOL.

HK, her musical sounds great- certainly better than a lot that actually get produced.

I agree! It sounds totally entertaining!

Our family would love your dd's humour and sensibilities.

Yes!